The international arm of Dutch state-owned rail group NS has won the contract to supply services in Scotland from April 2015.

Abellio has promised to invest millions of euros in improving services in Scotland during the seven year contract, which has an option to be expanded to 10. The franchise is worth up to €7.6bn, British media reported.

Abellio beat off competition from current franchise holder FirstGroup, Arriva – which also operates trains in the Netherlands, MTR and National Express.

Cheap tickets

Abellio has pledged to introduce a standard class fare between any two Scottish cities starting at €6.40 and cheaper tickets for people looking for work.

The company also plans to increase the number of carriages on trains by 23% and bring in Dutch-style bicycle-train packages. It also promises ‘high quality on-board service, buffet and at seat catering’.

‘This is a huge day for Abellio and indeed the Netherlands, which has such a rich history of commercial and cultural trade with Scotland, Abellio chief executive Jeff Hoogesteger said in a statement.

Abellio already runs several services in England, including Merseyrail and Northern Rail and operates the Qbuzz bus service in the Netherlands.