Scotrail contract for 22 5car 222 (ex EMR)

Scotrail has agreed deal to get 22 trains (ex east Midlands)

Will be introduced 2027 - December 2028 replacing the HSTs.

10 year maintenance contract, with possible extension to March 2042

Giving the refurbishment with things that can only be dreamed of in GWR land eg maximising alignment with windows, new reservation systems (if Scotrail can have new systems for 9-14 years, why do we still have empty reservation seat back card slots on 166s with no replacement, that could have been used 15-20 years during which have mere counted place reservations)

Refurbishment will be undertaken by Alstom and the makeover will include:

Full exterior repaint and updated livery.
Comprehensive interior refresh, including new carpets and full interior repaint.
A new passenger information system, including multimedia displays.
New Wi-Fi with Low Earth Orbit Satellite connectivity and voice-over-internet phone capability.
Family friendly area, providing space for passengers with an unfolded pushchair.
Wheelchair facilities in both First Class and two spaces in Standard Class.
Storage for six bikes.
New electronic seat reservation system.
New CCTV system – enhancing the safety and security of customers and staff.
Intelligent Engine Start Stop (automatically stops an engine to reduce emissions).
New First and Standard Class seats and tables, with plug sockets, USB-A and USB-C at every seat.
Onboard catering facilities to support at seat and trolley service.
Reconfigured carriage layout to maximise window alignment and luggage storage.

https://www.scotrail.co.uk/about-scotrail/news/scotrail-announces-plans-to-replace-high-speed-trains?fbclid=IwdGRjcAQof6xjbGNrBCh_nWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHljda9jhXBbg2vEG9f5zIs2tDSgk885XFmQZvjqihMEauYT_a8Wv5eA9NvYK_aem_f1j2hFpIo50bsv88Cit0qQ

https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2026/3/alstom-secures-long-term-train-services-and-refurbishment-contracts-ps330-million1-eu380-million-scotrail-and-beacon-uk

: John D

Scotrail has agreed deal to get 22 trains (ex east Midlands)

Will be introduced 2027 - December 2028 replacing the HSTs.

10 year maintenance contract, with possible extension to March 2042

Giving the refurbishment with things that can only be dreamed of in GWR land eg maximising alignment with windows, new reservation systems (if Scotrail can have new systems for 9-14 years, why do we still have empty reservation seat back card slots on 166s with no replacement, that could have been used 15-20 years during which have mere counted place reservations)

Refurbishment will be undertaken by Alstom and the makeover will include:

Full exterior repaint and updated livery.
Comprehensive interior refresh, including new carpets and full interior repaint.
A new passenger information system, including multimedia displays.
New Wi-Fi with Low Earth Orbit Satellite connectivity and voice-over-internet phone capability.
Family friendly area, providing space for passengers with an unfolded pushchair.
Wheelchair facilities in both First Class and two spaces in Standard Class.
Storage for six bikes.
New electronic seat reservation system.
New CCTV system – enhancing the safety and security of customers and staff.
Intelligent Engine Start Stop (automatically stops an engine to reduce emissions).
New First and Standard Class seats and tables, with plug sockets, USB-A and USB-C at every seat.
Onboard catering facilities to support at seat and trolley service.
Reconfigured carriage layout to maximise window alignment and luggage storage.

https://www.scotrail.co.uk/about-scotrail/news/scotrail-announces-plans-to-replace-high-speed-trains?fbclid=IwdGRjcAQof6xjbGNrBCh_nWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHljda9jhXBbg2vEG9f5zIs2tDSgk885XFmQZvjqihMEauYT_a8Wv5eA9NvYK_aem_f1j2hFpIo50bsv88Cit0qQ

https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2026/3/alstom-secures-long-term-train-services-and-refurbishment-contracts-ps330-million1-eu380-million-scotrail-and-beacon-uk

Presumably because the Scottish Assembly is prepared to pay for it?

: TaplowGreen

Presumably because the Scottish Assembly is prepared to pay for it?

Yes, obviously put quality in much higher priority

But I suppose it is reflection of different countries approaches, Scotland goes in for rolling electrification programme, no difference between peak and off peak fares, and high quality train interiors.

But here in England we are in second tier on quality (could argue bottom tier, with make do approach, when it comes to fixing something like IET seats).

: John D

: TaplowGreen

Presumably because the Scottish Assembly is prepared to pay for it?

Yes, obviously put quality in much higher priority

But I suppose it is reflection of different countries approaches, Scotland goes in for rolling electrification programme, no difference between peak and off peak fares, and high quality train interiors.

But here in England we are in second tier on quality (could argue bottom tier, with make do approach, when it comes to fixing something like IET seats).

Like most of these comparisons, it's related to the "West Lothian question". The Union government and Parliament do not hand over a defined English budget to a devolved English administration - not even one that's the same people as the Union ones wearing hats with one less colour. So if borrowing is too high, but more money is needed for defence (very mush a Union matter), the Treasury will tour departments jangling their thumbscrews and demanding their cut from domestic English spending.

Of course on top of that DfT might be worse at making timely decisions then ... pretty well anyone, really.