A BRIGHTER AND FASTER future is being promised by the ScotRail Alliance who have been lauding the arrival of the first high-speed train at Aberdeen where it will be used for driver training.

The Alliance has promised the long-awaited fully furbished fleet will soon be entering service connecting all seven cities – including Aberdeen and Inverness through Moray.

The first train now in Aberdeen will travel the network in the North East of Scotland for driver training over the coming months. Its key features are more seats, increased luggage space, power sockets at seats and enhanced on-board catering.

ScotRail Alliance Managing Director Alex Hynes said: “The arrival of the first high-speed train in Aberdeen is an exciting milestone in our plan to build the best railway Scotland has ever had.

“Our refurbished high-speed trains will connect Scotland’s seven cities, offering better connections for commuters, business travellers and an opportunity for tourists to get out and about across this great country.

“The refurbished high-speed trains will mean more seats, better services and an improved experience for our customers. The investment we are making in high-speed trains is a clear sign of the ScotRail Alliance’s commitment to building a world class railway for the whole of Scotland.”

Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands, said: “It is great to see this train arrive in Scotland for driver training, an important step towards delivery. Next year sees the start of a transformed inter-city service – connecting Scotland’s seven cities with high-speed trains.

“The refurbishment programme has already started. And when the 26 fully upgraded trains roll out across the country, I know they will be popular with passengers: more seats, better journeys, the latest standard of comfort, better accessibility, and enhanced catering.”