There are many ways to spend a rainy morning in Glasgow - and what better than to try something new.
On Monday, I wrapped up and headed to Glasgow Central Station, braving the rain, to take a trip on a new train running from the city.
The first electric services between Central and East Kilbride will start operating from today.
Ahead of the official launch, I was invited along to see the changes this will make for those travelling on this route.
On stepping into the Class 380 train and taking a seat, I didn’t notice any huge differences internally.
However, as the train started to leave Glasgow Central, I did notice one thing: the noise.
It was much quieter than the diesel services, which I later travelled back to the city centre on. I understand that these trains will continue to run on the line post-electrification.
The journey to East Kilbride took around 10 minutes and was quite peaceful, given the lack of outside noise.
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On the way, we passed the new Hairmyres station before arriving at the upgraded station in East Kilbride.
Truthfully, other than the quiet, I didn’t feel there were any major differences during the journey.
However, I do understand that many of the changes have taken place outside the trains themselves.
The electrification of the Glasgow Central to East Kilbride railway line forms part of the £144 million East Kilbride Enhancement Project.
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The project, funded by the Scottish Government, has modernised the line and is said to deliver a 'more sustainable transport network'.
Alongside the electric trains, a variety of upgrades were carried out in and around the town.
This includes the construction of a new station, another new station with two platforms and an accessible footbridge at Hairmyres, replacing the road bridge next to Thornliebank station, a new footbridge at Busby station, and a new footbridge at Clarkston, as well as improved access to platform two.
During my trip, I spoke to Joanne Maguire, managing director of ScotRail, who explained that the electric trains are hoped to “improve frequency” of evening services.
This is expected to come into effect when the timetable changes over the weekend, and I’m sure it will be ideal for those commuting to and from the area daily.
Overall, it was nice to see another part of Scotland’s railway electrified, and hopefully, local residents will see the benefits.
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