BRITISH operator ScotRail, which is responsible for running local and regional services throughout Scotland, launched a tender for a fleet of up to 106 new suburban trains on November 5.
ScotRail says two-thirds of its trains will need to be replaced within the next 15 years. The tender includes a contract for a base order of 69 trains, with an option for a further 37. In both cases trains are likely to be a mix of EMUs and BEMUs, and the first units are expected to enter service in the 2030s.
The new trains will serve destinations including East Kilbride, Fife, Borders, as well as Glasgow inner suburban routes, including the Argyle Line, which includes services between Glasgow and Motherwell, Larkhall and Lanark, and South Electrics routes, including the Shotts Line.
The tender includes a separate contract for the maintenance and supply of spares for the new trains. This contract would be for a base period of 15 years and could be extended to 35 years.
The deadline for submission of tender documents is January 19 2026. ScotRail says it will then invite applicants to negotiate on the details of the contracts.
The Scottish government, which owns ScotRail, has approved the tender process, which is being closely coordinated with British infrastructure manager Network Rail’s work to electrify key lines across Scotland.
The tender launch follows on from a market engagement exercise which was carried out with potential suppliers of the new suburban trains earlier this year.
“This is an essential step in making rail the easier, more attractive choice compared with travelling by car,” says David Ross, ScotRail CEO. “We look forward to further discussions with potential suppliers as we continue to deliver a safe, reliable, and green railway.”
125 replacement
ScotRail is currently undertaking a separate procurement process to replace the operator’s 25 Inter-city 125 diesel trains, which operate between Scotland’s seven largest cities. A tender for a replacement fleet closed in February and contracts were expected to be signed this year. However, ScotRail has still to confirm the next stage of the process.
