Rail services in the SPT area
The Class 334 fleet
Juniper trains for Strathclyde
Rail passengers throughout the Strathclyde area are now benefiting from the most modern, accessible and attractive trains, thanks to SPT and ScotRail.
The Juniper trains demonstrate to the public that rail can be a much more pleasant way to travel than car and play a vital role in SPT's commitment to see a shift from car use to public transport.
Around £100 million has been invested in this new rolling stock providing 40, three-car, electric multiple units for services in the SPT area. This investment is one of the most significant single investments in the Strathclyde network and represents one of the largest post-privatisation rolling stock orders.
The new trains were developed by a unique three-way partnership between sponsor, franchisee and the rolling stock company.
Statistics
Built by Alstom at Washwood Heath works, Birmingham, each unit weighs 135 tonnes, is powered by four 270kw Alstom traction motors providing a maximum speed of 90mph.
Each unit seats 183 people with room for 102 to stand. The vehicles comply with best practice and are fully compliant with the latest accessibility regulations for the disabled, including easy access toilet facilities.
Passengers benefit from an audio and visual information system which provides station stop, safety and interchange information.
The vehicles are equipped with driver-monitored CCTV, covering all doors, and have an automatic passenger counting system allowing passenger numbers to be accurately recorded for future capacity planning.
Exterior design
Interfleet Technology Ltd was brought in by SPT to offer professional guidance and technical expertise in the creation of a unique livery for the Class 334 Junipers in Strathclyde.
The exterior of the new Juniper trains creates a fantastic impact that helps to demonstrate to the public that rail transport is changing for the better. The exterior design of the Juniper train is strongly based on the natural curvature of the vehicle with a livery nicknamed "Airstream".
The livery retains the gravitas inherent in the classic SPT colours, carmine and cream, while the dramatic sweep of the cream band enhances the vehicle profile at the cab ends, lending the driving car a visual dynamism even when at rest.
The teal coach line is a bold statement which provides a unique colour and graphical element and played a key role in the development of the vehicle interior design.
Interior design
There is a dramatic difference on the inside of a Juniper train compared to older vehicles operating in the SPT area. As well as being designed with accessibility to the fore, they provide an enjoyable experience for passengers with comfortable seating, a bright, welcoming ambience and plenty of storage space for luggage and bicycles.
Every element of the interior design - from the shape and colour of grab handles to the colour and pattern of the floor coverings - was considered from the point of view of blind, partially-sighted and disabled users.
The approach to meeting the needs of the visually impaired was to consult early in the design process and embody these needs within the core design scheme. The objective was to achieve a carefully considered and integrated interior acceptable to all users rather than develop a design and have to attempt to apply an overlay treatment.
All in all, the Juniper trains ensure that the people of Strathclyde have access to the best and most modern trains possible.
Launch
SPT's Juniper fleet was officially launched on 6 December 2002 by Eric Ross, Chair of SPT, and Peter Cotton, Acting Managing Director of ScotRail.
Councillor Ross said: "SPT is really proud of the fleet of 40 new trains which replace old rolling stock and includes two new trains for the Larkhall to Milngavie service when it is built. Thanks to SPT and ScotRail rail passengers can now benefit from the most modern, accessible and attractive trains."
Mr Cotton added: "Today's launch brings to fruition some £200 million worth of investment in 66 new diesel and electric trains that National Express has brought to the table since taking on the ScotRail franchise in 1997."