Aberdeen launch for Scotland’s first HST

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Photo: ScotRail.
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ScotRail has officially welcomed the first of its cascaded HSTs.

ScotRail’s managing director, Alex Hynes, was in Aberdeen this morning to present the first train of the operator’s new high-speed fleet.

The HSTs are being cascaded from the South West of England where they are being replaced by a new fleet of bi-mode intercity trains.

ScotRail will receive 54 power cars and 121 coaches altogether, which will form 17 five-car and nine four-car trains, with two spare power cars.

Angel Trains is spending £50 million refurbishing the 40-year-old fleet, which will be gradually phased into service from next summer.

The first HST, which simply stands for High Speed Train, will now be used for driver training and will be based in the North East of Scotland.

Alex Hynes said: “The arrival of the first high-speed train in Aberdeen is an exciting milestone in our plan to build the best railway Scotland has ever had.

“Our refurbished high-speed trains will connect Scotland’s seven cities, offering better connections for commuters, business travellers and an opportunity for tourists to get out and about across this great country.

“The refurbished high-speed trains will mean more seats, better services and an improved experience for our customers.

“The investment we are making in high-speed trains is a clear sign of the ScotRail Alliance’s commitment to building a world-class railway for the whole of Scotland.”


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Clarification: ScotRail will operate 26 HSTs in total: 17 (not 15) five-car and nine four-car trains.