Transport Scotland Unveils Rail Decarbonisation Plan & Fleet Strategy

Transport Scotland has unveiled a comprehensive rail decarbonisation plan, including a new rolling stock transition strategy designed to replace aging ScotRail trains and enhance the sustainability and reliability of passenger services across the nation. The strategic vision, formally launched on November 21, 2025, sets a clear roadmap to achieve a fully decarbonised rail passenger service by 2045, aligning with Scotland’s climate change commitments.

Main Body:

The newly released strategy details a multi-faceted approach, developed collaboratively with industry partners, to systematically replace ScotRail trains as they reach the end of their operational lifespan. This initiative is positioned as a cornerstone of Scotland’s transport system, directly supporting Transport Scotland’s overarching strategic vision for a modern, efficient, and environmentally responsible railway network. The plan aims to ensure the long-term resilience and reliability of passenger services while fundamentally transforming the environmental impact of train fleets.

Strategic Impact and Decarbonisation Goals

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, highlighted the strategic importance of this fleet transition. “The fleet transition strategy for Scotland’s railway has been developed in line with the commitment made within the Rail Services Decarbonisation Action Plan to review the progress that has been made towards decarbonising Scotland’s rail services, whilst acknowledging the challenges and opportunities that the Scottish Government and rail industry has faced since the plan was first published in 2020,” she stated. This reaffirms the commitment to environmental targets and acknowledges the evolving landscape since the initial plan in 2020. The strategy directly supports the four key priorities outlined in the National Transport Strategy: reducing inequalities, taking climate action, delivering inclusive economic growth, and improving health and wellbeing.

Operational Details and Fleet Upgrades

A significant focus of the strategy addresses the InterCity diesel fleet, which is nearing its end of service. Procurement to replace these trains commenced in December 2024. The forthcoming replacement fleet promises enhanced reliability, greater efficiency, improved passenger comfort, and an overall superior travel experience. This crucial upgrade is vital for sustaining connectivity between seven of Scotland’s major cities, thereby bolstering access to employment, educational institutions, leisure activities, and cultural attractions, while simultaneously fostering regional economic development. Furthermore, procurement has been launched for a new fleet of electric trains for suburban lines. This new fleet will incorporate battery technology to phase out midlife diesel trains on routes like Fife and Borders, and to replace aging electric trains on select Strathclyde network sections.

Industry Context

The successful execution of Transport Scotland’s rolling stock transition strategy is a critical development for the broader European railway industry. It signals a clear commitment to large-scale fleet modernization driven by decarbonisation mandates, creating significant opportunities for rolling stock manufacturers, technology providers, and infrastructure developers. As other national rail operators grapple with similar challenges of aging fleets and stringent environmental targets, Scotland’s proactive approach and investment in cleaner, more efficient trains, including innovative battery-electric solutions, serve as a valuable case study and potential blueprint. This strategic shift underscores the economic and operational imperatives for embracing sustainable rail technologies to meet both passenger demand and regulatory requirements, positioning Scotland as a leader in the future of rail travel.