Four ScotRail trains serving key cities have returned to service after a refurbishment under a £6 million enhancement programme.
They are the first of 33 trains to receive interior and exterior makeovers in a project due to be completed in December next year.
All the work is being carried out at Railcare Limited’s depot in Springburn, Glasgow – which employed 12 more people for the contract.
The project, aimed at enhancing passenger comfort, takes place during routine maintenance cycles.
It includes new carpets and toilet flooring and also involves rebranding the Class 170 trains in the new “ScotRail, Scotland’s Railway” unified livery.
Two of the fleet, which previously had Standard Class seats only, have now been fitted with new First Class compartments.
All the trains run on Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness routes.
In addition, interior aspects such as grab poles, table stands and coat hooks are being re-coated in the new livery colours by Cumbernauld based Highland Galvanizers & Colour Coaters as part of a £300,000 contract which also includes work on the upgrade of ScotRail’s Class 334 trains.
Steve Montgomery, ScotRail’s managing director, said:
“The enhancements mean that our customers can travel in greater comfort. It also supports Transport Scotland’s ongoing roll out of a new, consistent brand for Scotland’s railway.”
Rob Baxter, Managing Director of Railcare, said:
“This programme further emphasises the close working relationship we enjoy with ScotRail, helping them deliver high quality rail services that passengers deserve.”
