Abellio's 'big train' plan for ScotRail

摘要

Describing the bidding for the replacement ScotRail franchise (RB1472 p1) as 'a very close competition', Abellio UK Deputy Managing Director, Operations ft Fleet, Jan Chaudhry told RBI 'the quality aspect of our bid was a key factor, as emphasised by Transport Scotland'. Abellio's research into passenger preferences, particularly on the Edinburgh - Aberdeen route, had shown that they were prepared to wait for East Coast HSTs rather than travelling in the more frequent ScotRail services operated with Class 170 DMUs. 'We reached a conclusion that HSTs would be a really good solution for ScotRail', he said. 'They have the "big train" feel and have the opportunity to be lengthened', provided enough Mk 111 cars were available on the market, enabling a four-car set to be lengthened to five cars 'if future demand requires it'.