rail staff travel caledonian sleeper
OUR VIEW We enjoyed sitting have a drink in the evenings and also having breakfast in one of the booths depending on availability. Caledonian Sleeper does not have any service specific restrictions. 2023 Little Lost Travel. To what extent will state-ownership under Scottish Rail Holdings bring about a change in business objectives and pricing? You will not need to bring your own towels to utilize the shower facilities while riding. The one big downside was the lack of an ensuite bathroom which you can get if you choose the Club Room. If that were the case, I would skip the Club Room and go for the Caledonian Double upgrade from a bunk to a double bed! One hand luggage (able to be held by guest on the lap if required) and up to two items of luggage no bigger than 30cm x 70cm x 90cm. possible, including a 'sleep kit' with Scottish toiletries. However, they may travel in the seated accommodation on the legs of the journey between Fort William and Edinburgh and vice versa, and Kingussie and Inverness where the sleeper train forms a day service (reservations are not required). For that, youll need to book a Club or a Double. With Caledonian Sleeper, you get to say goodnight to queuing, and wake up to something different while you travel between Scotland and London. All Caledonian sleeper tickets need to be valid on the ARRIVAL date of your end destination station not necessarily on the date you leave starting point train station. Itll mostly be dark outside for your whole trip, so dont judge based on scenery, or lack thereof. The Glasgow train stops at Motherwell before joining the Edinburgh train at Carstairs. In fact, we arrived at the leisurely time of 9:57 am, so it wasnt really an early start! The 800m agreement, signed in 2015, had been due to run until 2030 . Even if you know the number of the coach your seat/berth is in sometimes it is still not the easiest thing to find. These are Caledonian Sleeper staff who greet guests at the train. We had to make sure we were in the right section of the train as it was going to split at Edinburgh. No spam, just awesome sustainable travel content! Whether you are travelling to London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen or Fort William, travel in comfort and enjoy a friendly and relaxed . OUR VIEW As a rule we do not use the station lounges too often, preferring to eat a meal before arriving at the station and spending as much time on board the train and using the onboard facilities as much as we can. https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/online-prv-on-cal-sleeper.175891/. Rather than a train getting you from A to B, this sleeper train is part of the experience of travel. The Scottish Government has moved to nationalise the Caledonian Sleeper service after ending the contract with operator Serco seven years before its scheduled date. I had never ridden on any form of sleeper transport, so it was a first for me in many ways. The Club car is available to all guests using berth sleeping accommodation only. Essential resources. The price is by the room. The Caledonian Sleeper rail service is to be nationalised later this year, the Scottish government has announced. One of which is the Caledonian Sleeper. The Lowlander train dissects at Carstairs and the two halves continue . The Caledonian Sleeper site is contradicting my understanding of night trains and Eurail passes. We were keen to try the cheeseboard, but it was sold out sadly! There are several reasons why the Caledonian Sleeper service may make a loss: Overall, the Caledonian Sleeper service is a complex operation with high fixed costs and fluctuating demand. NETHERLANDS Railways (NS) says lower passenger numbers due to changing working patterns and a shortage of staff led to an operating loss of 304m in 2022, down from a loss of 952m the year before. The service was initially operated by steam locomotives, and the journey took around 12 hours. The seats are part reclining with a slide forward for the seat cushion section. If I had to sit then I would book the LNER or Lumo trains and get there much quicker and for a cheaper price. I should add that I didnt actually book the tickets myself. It was painfully early and there were no pretty views to enjoy. Theres secure storage space for up to six bikes in the Seated Carriage. National Rail (NR) Priv Discount on Oyster for holders of the Rail Staff Leisure Card - Update. This is good news but I wouldn't get your hopes up for ticket prices to reduce much from where they are now. The Caledonian Sleeper rail service is to be nationalised later this year, the Scottish government has announced. Caledonian Sleeper passengers arrive "too early". It really depends on your personal preferences and what accommodation type you choose. Mr Whitehurst said then that the business had inherited an "unreliable and outdated" fleet of carriages which dated back to the 1970s. 11 Stunning Cyprus Villages You Need to Visit. Good choice! He argued that the award would have "allowed Scotland to benefit from the expertise of our Serco Transport senior management team who understand this complex and unique hospitality-focussed train operation like no-one else, while also enabling Scottish ministers to be in complete control of the contract". Arriving in London on the return was less fun though. About an hour before we were due to arrive, the cheery train staff member knocked on the door to make sure we were awake and ready for breakfast plus our imminent departure. For breakfast, we try to have everything packed ready so we could enjoy the breakfast, just finishing in time to arrive at our destination. Inside the room, there were handy control panels above each bunk which had a USB charging port, a reading light, a thermostat, a room light and a dimmer. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. A senior union source said . If Im being honest about the food if youre on a budget I recommend bringing your own such as snacks and sandwiches rather than eating in the Club Car. Sorry to hear that. One thing which made it 100% worth the sleepless night was the dawn light breaking as we sped through the Scottish Highlands. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The Scottish government announced last year an offer to rebase the Serco contract did not represent value for money. We did get a free tea, juice and a biscuit though! Scroll down to the FAQ section to learn more about routes, popular stops and how long it takes to travel to each one! Lowlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central. Single journey ticket purchases, you buy 2 tickets for a return journey. Geoff Riley FRSA has been teaching Economics for over thirty years. She said: The decision will provide a stable platform for the provision of Sleeper services and it will also provide certainty for staff and, of course, the travelling public. . Lowlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from London Euston as one train before dividing/splitting into two separate trains at Carstairs (a station south and between Glasgow and Edinburgh) and then two trains travelling onwards to Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central. Free goodies such as sleeping masks and earplugs, Breakfast room service - complimentary if you upgrade, Free eye mask that I still use months later, More eco-friendly than flying and driving, The carriages and rooms are a bit cramped, Food is expensive and dishes are on the small side, The lounge car isnt open late so dont rely on it to eat, Its not as nice waking up extremely early in London, Could do with having entertainment on board. Two Responsible Travellers Share Their Top Sustainable 11 Easy International Recipes to Try at Home. Call the guest centre for further information regarding further assisting the dogs comforts. He said that the award would have allowed Scotland to benefit from the expertise of our Serco transport senior management team who understand this complex and unique hospitality-focused train operation like no one else, while also enabling Scottish ministers to be in complete control of the contract. Home to many a lively ceilidh where the celebrated local malt is the toast of the guests Fort William is an idyllic escape from the rat race. We thoroughly enjoy travelling in the Scottish Highlands eating an excellent Scottish breakfast with a lovely cup of tea. Its also a more leisurely, sophisticated and sustainable way to travel. London to Scotland sleeper service tipped for renationalisation, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Yes well, some. Ministers nationalise cross-border train service after Serco stripped of franchise. Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; Yes the on board staff know that your ticket class must match your travel facilities. For more information, visit myPrivacy Policy. If youre wondering about WIFI, yes there was but it wasnt particularly fast when we tried to watch a film. But Gilruth insisted the decision to terminate the contract seven years early and take the service under the Scottish governments control should not be seen as a reflection on the firms operation of the service. Receive the latest tours, offers, and inspirational travel content right in your inbox. Me and my partner both have staff travel cards (priv pass) non safeguarded (standard class). JavaScript is disabled. However, arriving in London at seven in the morning was not the one. Whether it is for business or leisure, Caledonian Sleeper will take you to some of the UKs most wonderful destinations. Serco said that on-board staff had received full pay during the pandemic, despite working reduced hours. The Inverness train stops at Stirling, Gleneagles, Pitlochry, Perth and Aviemore. The Caledonian Sleeper is to be taken into public hands in June, transport minister Jenny Gilruth has confirmed to MSPs. We rode the Caledonian Sleeper Train in a Caledonian double bed from London to Glasgow. Check terms and conditions regarding breakfast or room type. The Fort William train stops at Helensburgh Upper, Rannoch, Corrour and Crianlarich. They must remain on the floor and not sleep in the beds. He added: Most importantly, this would have allowed the Scottish government to compare the price of such an award with that of their arms length operator of last resort company.. Ticket code. The line technically has two routes the Highlander and the Lowlander with the train splitting into sections depending on where its going. They both tasted good, and at that late hour are about all you will need. The newer more modern services incorporate more hotel-style cabins, or berths, as they are termed, with lighter/brighter accommodation. Take advantage of this, as the train ride isnt very long. The service, which has been operating in various forms since 1873, runs overnight trains between Scotland and London. Sleeper trains hearken back to a golden age of rail travel which blossomed in Europe during the 1920s. From 25 June 2023, the service will be run by an arms length company owned by the Scottish government. Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised by Scottish ministers, Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised. Off the train, Club and Double Room guests also have first class lounge access at the station while they wait to board the train. Sleeper Train - the perfect way to arrive refreshed and ready for VAT reg no 816865400. West Yorkshire, The RMT said it would give the Scottish government "an opportunity to ensure this sustainable, low carbon route between Scotland and London can be run for passengers' interests, not private profit". Read more: 5 Of The Best Cycling Routes In Scotland For Epic Views. The only downside is you dont have much space in your room and theres nowhere else to go. Tel: +44 0844 800 0085. The Caledonian Sleeper rail service is to be nationalised later this year, the Scottish government has announced. The one big downside is that although you get a slight discount on the room overall, the cost is still much higher than if you were splitting it with someone else. Inspired by the destinations we serve across the UK, the six posters are designed to celebrate the heritage of Caledonian Sleeper while also looking to the future. This includes the onboard showers and lounge facilities as well as enjoying the unique sleeper berth experience. There is no question that from March 2018 onwards the 1st class designation no longer applies. Disappointing that it's been withdrawn as opposed to tightening up on the misuse from those that don't hold travel facilities. Can you use a railcard on the Caledonian Sleeper? If you want to experience an upgraded luxury feel to your sleeper car accommodations, the Caledonian Sleeper is not to be missed on your next trip to Scotland. The train is quiet (electric, I think). Rob is married to Allie and together they have been traveling the world for the past 5 years. The decision to terminate this agreement was announced by the government in October last year. The now conjoined train travels down to Carlisle and Watford Junction before arriving at London Euston. This post may contain affiliate / compensated links. Starting from London Euston and heading north, the route to Fort William is the best Caledonian Sleeper route. Company Reg no: 04489574. The Caledonian Sleeper service will be brought into public hands from this summer, the Scottish Government has announced. The best room on the Caledonian Sleeper is the Caledonian Double. Unlike some countries, they do not expect a financial tip at the end of the service. The word Caledonian is taken from the Latin word which generally refers to the . Also improved is the WIFI throughout the train and greater accessibility arrangements that increases inclusivity for all. The Caledonian Sleeper train is the name of the service that runs on the train route between England and Scotland 6 days a week.. Bringing together more than 500 miles (516 miles, to be exact!) Rob is one of the most published photographers in the world, having published over 1 million images in the last 20 years. For more information, please read ourprivacy policy. The Caledonian Sleeper offers an excellent alternative, take the train late at night, get 7 hours of sleep and wake up refreshed and in the centre of Glasgow, all before 7:30 in the morning so you can make . On both occasions, I stayed in a Classic Room. T he Caledonian Sleeper has revealed its long-awaited makeover.. That year, it also unveiled a new fleet of trains, which the company said would "transform" the service. (This is to be reduced to 2 hours from 1st April 202). Thanks for the link. The routes to Glasgow and Edinburgh are too short to fully enjoy. He has over twenty years experience as Head of Economics at leading schools. We started off with a sandwich platter (four sandwich quarters), mac n cheese and a vegetable soup with crusty bread. If we were riding this train though, and were not going to get a room, wed probably opt for one of the day trains from London, which would be faster and cheaper than riding in the Comfort Seats. The Scottish Government will operate the Caledonian Sleeper service from the end of June. I havent included a menu here as it changes frequently depending on the season! I just wanted to check when booking the Caledonian Sleeper, the classic twin berth room booking also includes your journey fare? The word Caledonian is taken from the Latin word which generally refers to the land in the north, Caledonia, the name the Romans used to describe Scotland. The move comes after ministers decided last year to terminate Serco's contract to run the service seven years early. The service, which connects Highland stations with London, has been operated by Serco since March 2015 and was due to run for 15 years until 2030. The new Club car option is a designated coach to buy food and drink on the go in a modern, light and friendly setting. NOTE Important to check booking for timetables alterations that may occur due to unforeseen circumstances, i.e., weather, unplanned engineering works etc, safety, public holidays or winter months. But rail unions welcomed the transport minister's announcement. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union, which represents many Sleeper staff, renewed its call for nationalisation on Friday after the impending statement was announced. I cant really comment on the seats as I travelled in the Classic Room. The Caledonian Sleeper is a sleeper train service linking London with cities in Scotland. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My mission is to show you why sustainable travel is empowering, fulfilling and affordable. Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth made the announcement this week that services will be provided by an arm's length company owned . I normally need quiet and stillness. Caledonian Sleeper tickets go on sale up to 12 months before you travel so book them as early as you can! Yes, you can take up to two pets with you (including dogs and cats) but it will cost you extra. Before we could board, we had to join a queue which was absolutely huge. Highlands-London service will be run by state-owned company after operator Serco loses contract seven years early. A top tip is to ask the first host you can and ask them to direct you to the correct host who will have your name and booking on a list. Will be great if no longer STD or 1st designated berths, GWR did this several years ago, Solo cabins with PRIV rate is great ! Those wishing to arrange assistance onto Sleepers should call the Caledonian Sleeper Assisted Travel helpline on 0330 0600 500 or Assisted Travel Typetalk 01463 231 951 (for customers with hearing impairments). Assistance Dogs Welcome on board. It will be operated by an arms length company owned by the Scottish government from 25 June, transport minister Jenny Gilruth told MSPs in Holyrood on Thursday. Boston Spa, It was taken after Serco tried to renegotiate this agreement using a rebase clause, which allowed the firm to put forth alternative financial arrangements before the government for the franchises remaining years. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. While Ive mentioned a few times that the train is a little cramped, Im aware that its making do with whats available. The out-sourcing company will stop operating the cross-border rail Our latest 2023 vacation brochure is now available. Whether you are travelling to London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen or Fort William, travel in comfort and enjoy a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. There wasnt a standard plug so if you want to use your electronics on the train, make sure you bring a lead or power bank with you.