THE first electric trains on the Edinburgh to Glasgow line will be introduced this weekend, ScotRail have confirmed.
Services boasting extra seating and faster acceleration will be brought into action on Sunday, with some journey times expected to be cut as a result.
The two Class 380 trains are spares from other routes – including from Edinburgh to North Berwick – as a brand new fleet has been delayed by six months.
Class 385 Hitachi trains are expected to enter service in late March, with the aim that journey times for passengers travelling between Edinburgh and Glasgow via Falkirk High will be cut to 42 minutes by December next year.
ScotRail Alliance managing director Alex Hynes said: “As we prepare for the arrival of our brand new Hitachi trains next year – which will deliver faster journeys, more seats, and better services – we will start running electric trains from our existing fleet between Edinburgh and Glasgow via Falkirk High.
“The running of these electric trains from our existing fleet is an important milestone ahead of the arrival of the brand-new Hitachi trains. It’s another key stage in our plan to build the best railway Scotland has ever had.
“Being able to run some services with seven carriages will mean more seats for our customers, and we will also deliver some faster journey times.”
The electrification of the Edinburgh to Glasgow line has suffered numerous delays, with problems including faulty overhead wires and factory difficulties at Hitachi.
Transport minister Humza Yousaf said: “The introduction of electric services is a key milestone in the Edinburgh – Glasgow Improvement Programme and yet another sign that our £5bn investment to 2019 is helping build the best railway Scotland has ever had.
“It also paves the way for the arrival of our new fleet of Class 385s, to be phased in over the coming months, offering passengers faster, greener and longer trains.
“I’d like to offer my personal thanks to all the many people who have worked on this significant electrification project as their efforts come to fruition.”
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