The first of 25 Class 158s to be refurbished as part of a £9 million Transport Scotland cash boost is now in service (158701) and is set to benefit passengers travelling on north east, far north and north-west Highland lines.

As part of a £20m national rail investment programme announced in December, a fleet of Class 158 trains are being upgraded to improve travel experience and accessibility for passengers and tourists.

The first of the new-look, two-car trains to undergo the refurbishment programme at Glasgow Works went into passenger service during w/e 30 June. The units will run the
Inverness to Aberdeen, Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh and Inverness to the Far North routes, bringing improved comfort and facility improvements to passengers.

Improvements include new seating with more space, extra luggage space, more cycle racks, refurbished toilets and power supply in first class, CCTV and interior passenger information displays..

George Davidson, Transport Scotland's Rolling Stock Manager, said: "The £9 million we are investing in the Class 158 trains is good news for passengers and is part of Transport Scotland's overall commitment to improve rail services. I'm pleased we are now seeing delivery of the train upgrade programme out on the network."

Peter Williams, Commercial Director at First ScotRail said: "The refurbishment of these trains is good news for customers, who will benefit from improved accessibility and interior enhancements. The funding allocated by Transport Scotland complements our own ongoing investment to raise the overall journey experience for rail travellers."

Two refurbished 158 trains will be released into service approximately every month, until March 2008.

In addition a £2.7m Transport Scotland investment to upgrade 20 Class 156 trains that run on the West Highland line and Glasgow commuter lines is also being taken forward and will be complete at the end of the year.