BRAND new trains recently introduced to ScotRail’s busiest route have been taken off the tracks amid fears over defective brakes.

A technical fault was discovered in the Hitachi class 385 electric trains earlier this week, just two months after they were brought into action.

The models were previously delayed for ten months over a string of problems, including concerns the windscreens were distorting views.

A ScotRail spokesman confirmed all three of the class 385 trains currently in passenger service were affected.

It is understood the move led to a shortage of carriages for commuters on the main Edinburgh to Glasgow line on Friday morning, and passengers have been warned to expect fewer seats on some services.

Scottish Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Mike Rumbles said it was “yet another let down for Scotland’s rail users”.

He said: “Commuters will be dismayed to see the first trains from the new Hitachi fleet, introduced with great fanfare just weeks ago, taken out of action.

“The trains we have already are over-packed, the long-distance trains promised are running late and are set to come into action without being refurbished first, and now the new trains have been taken off the rails too. It’s a bleak outlook.

“Passengers just want trains to be reliable and value for money but they are getting neither.

"The Transport Secretary needs to get to grips with the catalogue of errors that hold up our rail network and get ScotRail back on track.”

Scottish Labour transport spokesman Colin Smyth said: "While it is important that these defects were identified and dealt with quickly, this is another blow for passengers under this franchise.

"The SNP promised a world leading service with ScotRail, instead we have seen the problems pile up with trains withdrawn, new models late, services overcrowded, overpriced and routinely behind schedule.”

ScotRail chief operating officer Angus Thom has apologised to any passengers whose journeys have been disrupted.

He said: "The brand new Hitachi class 385 electric trains have been operating well since their introduction in July.

"A technical fault was identified on one of the trains on Thursday, which Hitachi is now investigating.

"We are sorry to any customers whose journey was disrupted as a result of this.

"As a precaution, while Hitachi carries out further testing, we are restricting the use of class 385 trains."

In July, ScotRail said there were due to be 70 of the new class 385 electric trains running in the central belt by early next year.

Bosses insisted the models would have a transformational effect and help cut journey times between Glasgow and Edinburgh to 42 minutes.

The latest move comes after one of the models suffered a brake fault in Winchburgh, blocking the line.

It is understood an incident last month also saw a train almost overshoot its stop at Falkirk High due to braking issues.

ScotRail, run by Dutch firm Abellio, said taking the models out of service would lead to “minimal disruption”, but admitted some trains will be running with fewer seats for customers.

It follows delays to the electrification of the main Edinburgh to Glasgow line, which has also seen rising costs.  

A Transport Scotland spokeswoman said passengers should check the ScotRail website, apps and twitter for travel updates.

She said: "ScotRail has made us aware a technical issue was encountered on one of the new class 385s yesterday.

“As is normal in such circumstances, particularly with new trains, Hitachi will test the entire class 385 fleet as a precaution to ensure reliable operation.

“It is imperative this testing is completed quickly, but thoroughly, to ensure the class 385s can get back into service as soon as possible.”