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Posté sur avril 23, 2026
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BEACON AWARDED CONTRACT TO LEASE CLASS 222 TRAINS TO SCOTRAIL
Beacon has signed a deal with ScotRail to lease twenty-two Class 222 trains, replacing HSTs on key intercity routes between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness.
Posté sur mars 19, 2026
Beacon is pleased to announce that it has signed a contract with ScotRail to lease twenty‑two Class 222 trains, which will replace the high‑speed trains (HSTs) currently operating on intercity routes between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness.
The trains will undergo an extensive £80 million overhaul and refurbishment programme, supported by £67million of investment from the Scottish Government, ahead of the fleet’s delivery to ScotRail.
The refurbishment work will be undertaken by Alstom, ensuring the Class 222s enter service to the highest possible standard. The comprehensive upgrade will include:
- Full exterior repaint and updated livery.
- Comprehensive interior refresh, including new carpets and full interior repaint.
- A new passenger information system, including multimedia displays.
- New Wi-Fi with Low Earth Orbit Satellite connectivity and voice-over-internet phone capability.
- Family friendly area, providing space for passengers with an unfolded pushchair.
- Wheelchair facilities in both First Class and two spaces in Standard Class.
- Storage for six bikes.
- New electronic seat reservation system.
- New CCTV system – enhancing the safety and security of customers and staff.
- Intelligent Engine Start Stop (automatically stops an engine to reduce emissions).
- New First and Standard Class seats and tables, with plug sockets, USB-A and USB-C at every seat.
- Onboard catering facilities to support at seat and trolley service.
- Reconfigured carriage layout to maximise window alignment and luggage storage.
The first of the refurbished trains will arrive in service by late 2027, with the remainder of the fleet being delivered by the end of 2028.
Adam Cunliffe, Beacon Chief Executive Officer, said:
“We are delighted to have been awarded this contract to support ScotRail with our Class 222 fleet, helping deliver high‑quality, high‑speed services for their customers.
Working in partnership with ScotRail and Alstom on the upgrade programme for these trains will enhance the on‑board experience for passengers across Scotland. We look forward to seeing the refurbished trains enter service.”
Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Managing Director, said:
“This is fantastic news for our customers and our staff, as we continue to work towards delivering a safe, green, and reliable railway.
More modern trains are a significant factor in encouraging more people to leave the car at home and travel by rail, and this investment will deliver a considerable improvement in the journey experience.
Introducing fully refurbished trains ensures customers will see immediate benefits, with enhancements in comfort, accessibility, and reliability.
We are looking forward to working with our partners and the Scottish Government in the coming weeks and months as we begin the refurbishment programme and get set to welcome this fleet to ScotRail.”
Rob Whyte, Managing Director UK and Ireland at Alstom, said:
“This agreement represents a significant vote of confidence in Alstom’s ability to support reliable, high-quality rail services across Scotland. The Class 222 fleet has a strong service history, and through this comprehensive programme of technical support, refurbishment and heavy maintenance, we will help to ensure these trains continue to deliver a safe, comfortable and dependable experience for passengers for many years to come, »
This investment also underlines our commitment to sustaining skilled jobs, developing engineering capability and supporting the UK rail supply chain as the industry continues its transition to a more sustainable railway.”
