Anger at bike space cut on ScotRail's new long-distance trains

ScotRail is planning to halve the number of cycle spaces for passengers using intermediate stations on a new fleet of long-distance trains.
The refurbished 40-year-old trains are due to be introduced by ScotRail from summer 2018. Picture: Rail EngineerThe refurbished 40-year-old trains are due to be introduced by ScotRail from summer 2018. Picture: Rail Engineer
The refurbished 40-year-old trains are due to be introduced by ScotRail from summer 2018. Picture: Rail Engineer

Only two spaces will be provided in the trains' carriages between Edinburgh/Glasgow and Aberdeen/Inverness compared to four at present.

A further six spaces will be available in separate compartments at each end of the trains, but only for cyclists making the full journey.

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The plans follow a proposed reduction in cycle spaces on the Glasgow-Oban line, which ScotRail is re-considering.

Only two bike spaces will be available in carriages for passengers using intermediate stations. Picture: Rail EngineerOnly two bike spaces will be available in carriages for passengers using intermediate stations. Picture: Rail Engineer
Only two bike spaces will be available in carriages for passengers using intermediate stations. Picture: Rail Engineer

Lothian cycle campaigners Spokes has launched a campaign against the proposed cuts to the refurbished 40-year-old InterCity 125 High Speed Trains (HST).

It said extra spaces could be created by converting some of the toilets, that are due to be left locked and unused.

It said: "The bike space promise has gradually been whittled down - and now we discover that for many journeys there will be fewer spaces even than at present.

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"Meanwhile some redundant toilets will be locked away, just transporting air - surely an opportunity to greatly increase bike spaces for trips between intermediate stations.

ScotRail previously pledged space for "at least 20 cycles" in its new long-distance trains. Picture: ScotRailScotRail previously pledged space for "at least 20 cycles" in its new long-distance trains. Picture: ScotRail
ScotRail previously pledged space for "at least 20 cycles" in its new long-distance trains. Picture: ScotRail

"Bike/rail capacity to the Highlands is a major concern, not just for commuting and leisure cyclists, but also for the tourist industry.

"Surely the power car door could be unlocked when necessary, at least at main stations such as Perth."

Spokes said ScotRail had told MSPs in 2015 to expect “at least 20 cycles” per train in the new fleet.

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However, it said there would now be space for just two bikes on a vertical-hanging rack, converted from a toilet in one of the coaches.

ScotRail's "concept" livery for its InterCity 125 High Speed TrainsScotRail's "concept" livery for its InterCity 125 High Speed Trains
ScotRail's "concept" livery for its InterCity 125 High Speed Trains

There will be space for three more in each of the luggage compartments beside the power cars at either end of the four and five-carriage trains, for end-to-end journeys, such as Edinburgh to Inverness, but these would not be accessible at intermediate stations.

Scottish Labour transport spokesman Neil Bibby, who has taken a close interest in ScotRail's performance, said: "At a time when we should be promoting cycling, reducing bike spaces on these new trains would be a retrograde step.

"The public were promised action on overcrowding and more space for cyclists.

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"The promises that have been made to passengers should be kept."

How ScotRail's new trains might look at Glasgow Queen Street for the Aberdeen and Inverness routes via Stirling and PerthHow ScotRail's new trains might look at Glasgow Queen Street for the Aberdeen and Inverness routes via Stirling and Perth
How ScotRail's new trains might look at Glasgow Queen Street for the Aberdeen and Inverness routes via Stirling and Perth

ScotRail said its plans for the six spaces in the power car storage area were under review.

A spokeswoman said: "We have to balance a number of demands when planning space in our trains and want to accommodate bikes as far as possible.

"We’re exploring a number of options in advance of the HST fleet arriving in Scotland.”