Siemens has begun testing the first of 38 Class 380 Desiro EMUs that it is building for Scotland rail operator ScotRail, UK.
The company will supply the fleet, 22 three-car and 16 four-car trains, to the rail operator between September 2010 and March 2011 under a £250m contract signed in 2008.
The air-conditioned 25kV 50Hz vehicle features lightweight aluminium bodyshells with a bolt-on steel structure at the front end to meet EN15227 crash worthiness requirements.
The vehicle is fitted with a fully electronic train management system and features the Hübner-developed patented extendable gangway.
The EMUs, with each car having two wheelchair spaces, will be the first trains in the UK to be fully compliant with the Persons with Reduced Mobility Technical Specification for Interoperability, according to the company.
