A NEW hi-tech commuter train, which could come into use on the Glasgow to Edinburgh line, has been revealed.

The trains have a sophisticated air cond-itioning system and power sockets at every seat,

The designs were displayed in London by Hitachi Rail Europe which is in competition to operate commuter trains as part of the £741million Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP) and in east London.

The company said the AT200 trains, to be made at Hitachi's new 100-125mph train factory under construction in Newton Aycliffe in County Durham, will offer a comfortable passenger environment.

Carriages will have inter-vehicle gangways for better use of passenger space, tables and toilet facilities, LED lighting throughout, air conditioning as standard, USB and power sockets available at every seat as well as passenger wi-fi provision.

The train has a high level of onboard diagnostics which continuously and proactively monitor the train and feed back to the maintenance base regarding aspects of its performance. This reduces maintenance.

The AT200s can be provided in three-car to 12-car formations depending on route requirements.

Hitachi hopes to win not only the EGIP train contract but also the London Overground extension contract which involves supplying trains on new routes from Liver-pool Street station in London and to replace the current two-car diesel trains on the Gospel Oak-Barking route.

Hitachi has already been chosen to replace the UK's ageing fleet of inter city express trains.