ScotRail Confirms Class 222 Leasing Deal to Enable Withdrawal of HSTs

Why It Matters

Replacing the HSTs reduces operating costs and carbon emissions while boosting service punctuality, positioning ScotRail competitively in the UK rail market.

Key Takeaways

• Up to 30 Class 222 units leased for intercity routes
• First HSTs to leave service by mid‑2025
• Leased units meet EU Stage IIIa emission standards
• Modern fleet expected to cut fuel use by 15%

Pulse Analysis

ScotRail’s decision to lease Class 222 diesel‑multiple‑units marks a strategic shift away from the iconic InterCity 125 High Speed Trains that have powered Scotland’s long‑distance services for decades. The Class 222, originally built for UK operators such as East Midlands Railway, combines a modern power‑train with a lighter aluminium bodyshell, delivering faster acceleration and a smoother ride. By securing a flexible leasing arrangement rather than outright purchase, ScotRail can manage capital expenditure while quickly adapting to future technological changes, such as potential electrification or hybrid conversions.

The operational benefits of the new fleet are significant. Compared with the aging HSTs, the Class 222s emit roughly 15 percent less CO₂ per passenger‑kilometre, aligning with the UK’s net‑zero rail targets for 2035. Their newer onboard systems also improve reliability, reducing delays caused by mechanical failures that have plagued the HSTs in recent years. Passengers will experience upgraded seating, Wi‑Fi, and real‑time passenger information, which are expected to raise customer satisfaction scores and attract higher ridership on routes like Edinburgh‑Glasgow‑Inverness and the West Coast corridor.

From a business perspective, the lease agreement provides ScotRail with a predictable cost structure and the ability to scale the fleet as demand evolves. The transition supports the operator’s broader modernization agenda, which includes digital signalling upgrades and station enhancements. By retiring the HSTs, ScotRail also frees up maintenance capacity and reduces spare‑parts inventory, delivering further cost efficiencies. Overall, the Class 222 rollout positions Scotland’s rail network for a greener, more reliable future while preserving the flexibility needed in a rapidly changing transport landscape.