ScotRail has awarded Hitachi a seven-year contract extension to maintain the 100% electric commuter fleet (Class 385), with the contract extension including both heavy and light maintenance.
Hitachi reports that the contract, which commenced 1 April 2025, will ensure continued investment in infrastructure, people, and digital solutions, across Scotland’s Railway.
This includes the potential integration of Hitachi’s digital asset monitoring platform – HMAX- into the fleet.
The ScotRail Express fleet is currently 4.5 times more reliable than the UK industry average, making it the most reliable fleet with over 50 units.
During 2024/25, more than 7.5 million customer journeys have been made on class 385 trains between Edinburgh and Glasgow – an increase of 5% on 2023/24.
Since the Class 385s introduction in 2019, the train operator has seen passenger journeys increase on this route by 2%.
ScotRail estimates that the Class 385s have reduced carbon emissions on the mainline between Glasgow and Edinburgh by 82% each year, or 25,208,20 kgCO2e, compared to the diesel trains they replaced.
Senior director operations, service & maintenance, UK & Ireland at Hitachi Rail Angus Thom said: “This new contract strongly endorses Hitachi Rail’s maintenance capabilities.
“Our fleet is among the UK’s most reliable, thanks to our close and positive collaboration with ScotRail as part of ‘Team Scotland’. Together, we have delivered one of the best fleets in Britain.
“Everyone at Hitachi Rail looks forward to continuing this relationship into the next decade. We are committed to continuous improvement and excited by the potential to digitally future-proofing this fleet.”
Achievements and innovations in sustainable public transport will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
