1st September 2026
ScotRail has reached an important milestone in plans to introduce a new suburban train fleet, with the procurement now progressing to the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) stage.
The move to ITN represents the next formal step in the structured procurement process. It follows the initial pre-qualification stage, during which applicants were assessed before shortlisted bidders were selected to participate in the next phase.
This is the next part of the process to fund the building and delivery of a modern fleet of at least 69 new electric and battery-electric trains, with options for up to 37 more, helping to deliver more reliable, accessible, and sustainable journeys for customers across Scotland’s suburban rail network.
The five shortlisted bidders are:
Alstom Engineering and Services Limited.
Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles S.A. (CAF S.A.).
Hitachi Rail Limited.
Siemens Mobility Limited.
Stadler Rail Schweiz AG.
The new trains are planned to enter service in the early 2030s to operate on routes such as East Kilbride, Fife, Borders, and the Glasgow inner suburban routes, including services between Glasgow and Motherwell, Larkhall, Lanark, and Shotts.
These trains will deliver significant environmental benefits, supporting the transition to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable railway – with the replacement of existing diesel trains.
The new fleet procurement includes the design, manufacture, testing, certification, commissioning, and delivery of the trains, as well as long-term technical support and spares arrangements to help support their introduction and operation.
Improved on-board facilities will include:
Modern air-conditioning.
Improved reliability of on-board facilities such as connectivity and real time information for passengers.
Improved accessibility by reducing the distance between the platform and entrance to the train.
Active travel provision such as improved spaces for bicycles, wheelchairs, and inclusion of family friendly areas, leading to more inclusive and comfortable journeys.
The Scottish Government has given its approval for the full procurement to proceed, and the process is being closely coordinated with Network Rail’s work to electrify key routes across the network.
Stephen Flynn MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, said, "Resilient and efficient ScotRail services are crucial to improving access to employment, education and leisure opportunities across Scotland.
“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.
“This will deliver 69 new suburban trains, and alongside the electrification of the Fife and Borders routes, will mean a more reliable, accessible and sustainable railway for communities across Scotland.”
Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Managing Director, said, "This is an exciting step forward in our plans for a new suburban train fleet for Scotland that will benefit customers for many years to come.
“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.
“Investment in modern trains is vital to providing a better journey experience and is central to encouraging more people to leave the car at home and travel by rail.”