Rail network hits buffers as trains fail

SCOTLAND'S rail network is set to face a shortage of trains after the biggest order of stock in a generation encountered serious problems during testing, it was reported today.

A number of technical hitches has led ScotRail to reject a 200 million fleet of electric trains from German manufacturer Siemens until the issues are resolved.

The problems, believed to be software-related, are likely to delay the introduction of a full timetable on the recently completed 300m Airdrie to Bathgate line. A reduced "introductory service" is still expected to start on December 12.

A ScotRail spokesman said: "We advised the manufacturer that all commissioning had been suspended and that we could not accept, or operate, these trains."

David Wilson, of Siemens, said: "We're going through a very normal procedure of shaking down a new set of trains."