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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Maintenance depot in Glasgow opened

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ScotRail’s expanded Shields Road maintenance depot in Glasgow was officially opened today by Transport Minister Keith Brown.

The £24 million investment made available by Transport Scotland for a purpose-built train maintenance and overhaul facility will maintain a 38-strong fleet of new electric trains as well as some of the existing ScotRail fleet.

Mr Brown was joined by Steve Montgomery, ScotRail’s managing director, on a tour of the facilities which created up to 40 construction industry jobs in addition to the 130 new permanent jobs to operate and maintain trains.

The depot expansion, announced in April 2009, includes state-of-the art equipment and was constructed to minimise environmental impact and maximise energy efficiency with innovative lighting and building materials.

GlasgowDepotOpening
Transport Minister Keith Brown (R) with Steve Montgomery, ScotRail's managing director, at unveiling of plaque

Steve Montgomery said: “It’s great news for our customers as we can service even more trains than before, including a new fleet which offers very high levels of services and will provide extra capacity on Ayrshire, Inverclyde and Renfrewshire routes.

Keith Brown, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, commented: “I am pleased to open this enhanced maintenance facility at Shields Depot.

“The Scottish Government is committed to improving conditions on Scotland’s railways and this new £24m facility will enable ScotRail to maintain and repair our rolling stock more efficiently, as well as boosting the local economy with 130 more jobs

“The facility will also play an important part in maintaining the £430 million investment of new trains, which will benefit rail passengers across the west of Scotland.”

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