ScotRail has shortlisted five manufacturers for its new suburban fleet that will replace 69 ageing units on routes which are being electrified, such as the Borders railway. There is an option for up to 37 additional sets.
The new electric and battery-electric trains will also operate services to East Kilbride and Fife, as well as Glasgow’s inner suburban network and routes between Glasgow and Motherwell, Larkhall, Lanark and Shotts.
Alstom, Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF), Hitachi Rail, Siemens Mobility and Stadler Rail Schweiz have reached the Invitation to Negotiate stage of the procurement process which began in November 2025.
The new trains are expected to enter service in the early 2030s and must include air-conditioning, improved passenger information systems, a smaller gap between the platform and entrance and improved spaces for wheelchairs and pushchairs, the latter in family friendly areas.
Stephen Flynn, the Economy, Tourism and Transport Secretary, said: “The next stage of the procurement process marks a significant milestone as we work towards a new suburban fleet, demonstrating our commitment to economic growth and improved connectivity.”
ScotRail Managing Director, Joanne Maguire, described the news as “an exciting step forward”, adding: “These new modern electric and battery-electric trains will make journeys more comfortable for customers, improve accessibility and reliability, and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable railway.”
One route benefiting from the battery-electric trains will be eight miles of the Borders railway between Edinburgh and Tweedbank. This stretch of the 35-mile line is being electrified in a £26.2 million scheme funded by the Scottish government.
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