ScotRail has extended its maintenance agreement with Hitachi Rail for the Class 385 electric multiple units. The extension covers both heavy and light maintenance for the entire Class 385 fleet, which operates primarily between Glasgow and Edinburgh. As part of the agreement, service quality and reliability measures will continue to be applied across the fleet to maintain availability during peak operations.
The 100% electric fleet was introduced in 2018 following the electrification of the Glasgow–Edinburgh mainline. Since entering service, the Class 385 units have replaced diesel traction on this corridor. ScotRail estimates a reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to previous operations, with electric traction contributing to the decarbonisation targets of Scotland’s passenger rail services.
Passenger demand on the Class 385-operated route has increased over the past year, with more than 7.5 million journeys recorded between Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2024/25—a 5% rise from the previous period. Since their introduction, passenger volumes on this corridor have grown by 2%.
As part of the extended contract, Hitachi is expected to continue infrastructure and systems investment in Scotland. Previous upgrades include a £30 million refurbishment of the Craigentinny depot in Edinburgh, where maintenance for the Class 385 units is conducted. The modernisation included workforce training for digital systems used in the fleet.
Hitachi Rail also operates digital asset management tools such as the HMAX platform, which may be integrated into the fleet under the new maintenance framework. The manufacturer states that these tools allow for condition-based maintenance and improved fleet planning, although further technical details have not been disclosed.
The Class 385 units were built at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe facility in the UK. The project formed part of a broader investment programme in new rolling stock and electrified infrastructure, funded through collaboration between the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland, and Network Rail.
