Class 385 arriving at Glasgow Queen Street Station. Credit: Hitachi Rail Europe.

The first Hitachi class 385 electric train has come into service on routes covered by UK rail operator ScotRail and will initially run between Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh Waverley through the Falkirk High route.

The class 385 train is part of a 70-vehicle fleet that will be gradually introduced into the service in the coming months in multiple routes across the Central Belt.

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ScotRail Alliance managing director Alex Hynes said: “I am delighted that customers will be able to travel on our new Hitachi class 385 electric trains from next week. This is a significant moment as we work to build the best railway Scotland has ever had.

“The investment we are making will deliver faster journeys, more seats and better services for our customers.”

“When passengers step on board this first train they’ll find it light, spacious and modern with loads of more seats – up to 130 extra compared to the existing diesel trains.”

ScotRail has ordered 24 four-carriage trains and 46 three-carriage trains as part of its £475m rolling stock investment. The former will have 273 seats, while the latter will have 206 seats.

Hitachi Rail Europe managing director Karen Boswell said: “When passengers step on board this first train they’ll find it light, spacious and modern with loads of more seats – up to 130 extra compared to the existing diesel trains.”

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The trains are 18% more energy-efficient than the diesel trains currently operating on the routes. They will also help reduce noise pollution on the routes, as well as improve air quality by reducing carbon dioxide footprint by nearly 21%.

The introduction of the new Hitachi fleet is part of the Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvement Programme, which saw Network Rail Scotland invest £858m to carry out electrification works on the Edinburgh-Glasgow line.