Electric trains set for ‘makeover’ as upgrades begin

The 38-strong fleet of trains consists of 130 carriages and is ScotRail’s second largest fleet of electric trains.

Jenness Mitchell

25th Sep 2020

ScotRail has begun work to refurbish its fleet of Class 380 electric trains ahead of their ten-year anniversary later in the year.

Key elements of the ‘makeover’ include the installation of new flooring, new seat upholstery including prominent priority seating, a paint refresh, and general repairs to tables, bins and handrails.

The overhaul is taking place at the operator’s Shields Road Depot in Glasgow, with each train taking around two weeks to complete.

The 38-strong fleet of trains consists of 130 carriages and is ScotRail’s second largest fleet of electric trains.

On track: The trains were introduced to Scotland's Railway in 2010. — On track: The trains were introduced to Scotland’s Railway in 2010.

Class 380s were introduced to Scotland’s Railway in December 2010, operating in Ayrshire and Inverclyde initially, but now serve customers on routes across the country, including:

Glasgow Central – Edinburgh via Carstairs.
Glasgow Central – Ayr.
Glasgow Central – Largs / Ardrossan Harbour.
Glasgow Central – Gourock / Wemyss Bay.
Edinburgh – North Berwick / Dunbar.

Syeda Ghufran, ScotRail engineering director, said: “Since their introduction, our Class 380 trains have been incredibly popular with customers right across the country.

“This work to refresh their interior demonstrates our commitment to delivering the highest quality service, and helps make rail travel a more modern, comfortable and popular option for customers.”