ScotRail customers will see an increase in the number of cycle spaces on trains to encourage people to use the train instead of their car. In 2015, there were 932 spaces for cycles on ScotRail trains. Now, there are 1,406, a rise of 34 per cent. 

The last few months have seen an acceleration of the project with 140 extra spaces being installed across the fleet of 70 Hitachi Class 385 electric trains.

It means that all ScotRail trains now have spaces for bikes and, by the end of August 2022, a further 100 spaces will have been installed on the train operator’s fleet of high-speed Inter7City trains bringing the overall total to 1,506.

This will be an increase of 574 spaces on the number available in 2015, a rise of 38 per cent.

Working with Transport Scotland, cycling groups and outdoor specialists, the design team at ScotRail came up with a solution to accommodate up to 20 cycles and bulky sports gear in a dedicated carriage which is a first of its kind for the UK rail network.

James Ledgerwood, Head of Economic Development and Communities, said:

“This is great news for everyone who uses a bike to get around Scotland. Whether it’s for work or for leisure these new cycle spaces will help even more people get out of cars and into the great outdoors and make a real difference if you want to travel in a more sustainable way.

“We promised that we would hugely increase the number of spaces on our trains, and despite the delay caused by coronavirus, we have delivered on that pledge. ScotRail is committed to improving cycling facilities at stations and on trains.”