SCOTRAIL is moving forward with its proposal to increase capacity on its West Highland Line (WHL) services during the summer months.

One of the problems faced by the services to Oban, Fort William and Mallaig (and intermediate stations) which use Class 156 units, is the lack of space for luggage and cycles, and the re-use of Class 153s, which are due to be displaced in the West Midlands, could hold the answer.

ScotRail has presented its plans to stakeholders, but the project is at an early stage in the procurement process, and if the proposal is approved, the end result may not look like the current samples.

The Class 153s – which can run with the 156s – could be modified so that half of the vehicle provides additional seating accommodation with a small cafe area to dispense refreshments and snacks.

Read more and view more images in the January 2019 issue of The RM – on sale January 2!

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