The procurement, led by ScotRail on behalf of Transport Scotland, aims to find a successor for the current High Speed Train (HST) fleet, which currently serves routes connecting Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Inverness.
The decision reflects the government's commitment to maintaining reliable rail services that support passenger needs across Scotland. The existing Intercity fleet has been integral to transporting passengers between key cities, with over four million journeys recorded in the past year. The replacement process will focus on sourcing trains that offer enhanced comfort and accessibility for passengers on these routes.
Scottish government intends to reduce emissions from rail transport as part of its broader strategy to decarbonize the country's railways.