The first fully fitted electric train due to run on the Edinburgh to Glasgow route via Falkirk High will arrive in Scotland by the weekend.

Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson welcomed the latest milestone in the expansion of electrified passenger services in the Central Belt.

The class 385 train will be the first in a fleet of 70 that will provide faster journeys, more seats, better accessibility and modern facilities when they are rolled out over the next 18 months.

The first trains will enter service in the coming months, following rigorous route testing, driver training and staff familiarisation.

Mr Matheson said: “The arrival of the first class 385 train will be exciting news for local commuters, who will soon be able to enjoy faster and more comfortable journeys.

“This £370million fleet will enable Edinburgh to Glasgow services via Falkirk High to become all electric next year, which will have obvious environmental benefits. But these state-of-the-art trains, which are part of the Scottish Government’s £5billion investment in our railways, could also help to encourage more car users to consider a switch to public transport.”

Ian McConnell, programmes and transformation director at the ScotRail Alliance, said: “We’re building the best railway Scotland’s ever had – and the new trains are a key part of that.
“The arrival of the first fully kitted out new train is another key milestone in this process.”