16 October 2003

Seven new trains for SPT network

Seven new trains are bound for the SPT rail network following the conclusion of a £22 million contract between SPT, ScotRail and Porterbrook. These trains are in addition to the 22 new units heading for the rest of the Scottish rail network.

The new trains will reduce overcrowding on the East Kilbride to Glasgow service, allow the introduction of a half hourly service to Kilmarnock and will see performance maintained and improved on the SPT network.

Commenting on the announcement of the new trains, Councillor Alistair Watson, Chair of SPT, said:

"When the new trains come in to service passengers travelling on the SPT network will benefit from 7 new trains, seeing better services to Kilmarnock and East Kilbride, longer trains to increase capacity on crowded routes and the assurance of a more robust timetable.

"SPT already has an impressive fleet of new and refurbished trains making it one of the most modern fleets in the country. Earlier this year we launched 40 brand new Class 334 trains and together with the two existing Class 170 trains SPT has brought 49 new trains to the west of Scotland in the last two years.

"This kind of commitment and investment in local services can only be achieved by a democratically accountable body such as SPT and today's announcement is an example of the great record that SPT has in delivering better public transport infrastructure. Our local flexibility and expertise allows us to channel resources where they can be best employed and ensure that transport needs are met across the whole SPT area."

ends

Notes to editors

The additional 7 units brings the total SPT fleet up to 136 units comprised of: 16 Class 314, 21 Class 318, 22 Class 320, 40 Class 334, 9 Class 170 and
28 Class 156.