Once the timetable change is introduced, around 75 per cent of services between Glasgow Central and East Kilbride will be operated by electric trains, marking a significant step forward in Scotland’s ongoing rail decarbonisation programme.
ScotRail customers travelling between Glasgow Central and East Kilbride will benefit from the introduction of electric trains when the new timetable starts on Sunday, December 14.
The introduction of modern four-carriage class 380 trains follows the major project – funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Network Rail – to electrify the East Kilbride line, delivering smoother, quieter, and more comfortable journeys for customers.
The electric trains replace four-carriage class 156 diesel trains currently operating on the route. Services currently formed of six-carriage class 156 trains will continue to operate in their existing format.
Once the timetable change is introduced, around 75 per cent of services between Glasgow Central and East Kilbride will be operated by electric trains, marking a significant step forward in Scotland’s ongoing rail decarbonisation programme.
Customers on the East Kilbride line will also benefit from additional evening services, delivering a broadly half-hour service Monday to Saturday, offering more choice and flexibility for leisure and late-night travel.
The new timetable change will also deliver more carriages on a number of peak-time services on the Glasgow Central – Newton/Neilston/Cathcart Circle routes.
Most other changes across the network are minor, but customers are encouraged to check their journeys on the ScotRail website, mobile app, or through social media channels as train times may have changed.
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “This timetable marks another important milestone for Scotland’s Railway, as we introduce electric trains on the East Kilbride line following the successful completion of the electrification project.
“The move to electric trains will mean smoother, quieter, and more sustainable journeys for customers, while our additional evening services will offer greater flexibility for those travelling later in the day.
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“Across the network, we’ve made a range of changes to deliver more services, improve capacity where it’s needed most, and to support ongoing investment in the decarbonisation of Scotland’s Railway.”
Earlier this month, a new £9 million train station has opened in East Kilbride as part of major transport improvements in the town.
It’s part of the wider East Kilbride enhancement project, a £144m investment from the Scottish Government to electrify the line and improve rail services between the town and Glasgow.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said: “The opening of this new station in East Kilbride is the latest milestone in the delivery of the significant investment this Scottish Government has made across the route.
“The new station is fitting for a line that is benefiting from modernisation, bringing with that greener and more sustainable electric trains on completion of this £144m programme. It is a clear example of our commitment to making rail a more attractive travel option.”
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The new station was delivered by Network Rail and contractor AmcoGiffen and is the latest milestone in the overall enhancement project.
Several upgrades have already been completed along the route, including the opening of a new £16m station at Hairmyres in May, new footbridges at Busby, Clarkston, and Giffnock stations, the renewal of the railway bridge in Busby, and the installation of a new road bridge on Thornliebank Road.
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