Customers travelling between North Berwick and Edinburgh are now benefiting from a completed fleet overhaul, following a £3 million investment from First ScotRail.

All five Class 322 trains which operate on this route, have now undergone refurbishment, not only increasing the level of comfort in the carriages but also introducing better facilities as well as improved reliability.

The programme, which began in April 2006, was aimed at enhancing the full journey experience for customers. On-train CCTV and audio / visual passenger information systems have been fitted, designed to assist both hard of hearing and partially sighted passengers as well as improve general information provision overall.

Changes to the seating layout have increased the number of seats from 252 to 293, creating greater capacity and new floor and wall coverings have improved the overall feel and environment of the carriages.

First ScotRail also funded the provision of eight dedicated secure cycle storage spaces on each train, allowing customers travelling with bikes do so more easily and conveniently and illustrating the train operator’s drive to improve integrated transport opportunities as well as environmentally friendly travel.

This cycle facility enhancement was recognised at the 2006 Community Rail Awards, when First ScotRail won the award in the Rolling Stock category.

A number of technical modifications have been carried out, bringing improvements to the reliability of the trains and resulting in the provision of a better service to and from North Berwick.

Andy Mellors, First ScotRail’s Engineering Director said: “With the refurbishment programme now complete, our customers can travel in greater comfort, on trains with improved facilities and better security. We are committed to improving the quality and reliability of our trains and will continue to deliver on this, for the benefit of our customers.”