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ScotRail to Replace High Speed Trains with £80m Refurbished Fleet
The £80 million investment includes improved Wi-Fi, new seating, and accessibility features for 22 Class 222 trains replacing aging High Speed Trains on Scotland’s key intercity routes.
- On Friday, March 20, 2026, ScotRail announced plans to replace its aging High Speed Train fleet with 22 refurbished Class 222 trains by the end of 2028 following a successful procurement process.
- ScotRail officials said the 50-year-old HSTs are "reaching the end of their usable life," creating "operational challenges" and maintenance costs; one HST was involved in the fatal 2020 Carmont derailment.
- Beacon will provide the trains while Alstom leads an £80 million overhaul, supported by £67 million from the Scottish Government and a £250 million technical support agreement over 10 years.
- The upgraded fleet will feature low Earth orbit satellite Wi-Fi, multimedia displays, and improved accessibility including wheelchair facilities in both classes and dedicated family areas with space for unfolded pushchairs.
- Staff training begins in early 2027 with six units, initiating a phased rollout; the final refurbished train is expected to enter service before the end of 2028, completing the fleet transition.
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