Passengers told to ‘dream big’ as new Caledonian Sleeper fleet makes maiden trip
Brand new Caledonian Sleeper trains have carried their first passengers in the most dramatic change to overnight cross-border rail travel in 40 years.
They will feature the first double beds in the service’s 146-year history and the first ensuite showers for nearly a century.
The inaugural service left Glasgow Central last night before linking with the Edinburgh portion of the train at Waverley station in the capital and then heading to London.
Another of the new £150 million fleet was due to leave London Euston last night, with portions for Edinburgh and Glasgow being divided en route. The milestone was celebrated with an event at Glasgow Central attended by transport secretary
Caledonian Sleeper managing director Ryan Flaherty told the launch ceremony at Glasgow Central: “We have built magnificent trains that will allow us to offer a worldclass experience. They are some of the most complicated and sophisticated coaches ever built.”
Transport secretary Michael Matheson said: “The new rolling stock will take it to the next level. This is a standard of hotel quality. It will attract more people and give them a fantastic experience.”
The firm also unveiled an “inspirational” marketing campaign, “which encourages guests to Dream Big”.
The new fleet of 75 carriages are a year late, having been delayed twice from April last year by design and manufacturing hold-ups.
The existing sleeping carriages were introduced in the 1980s.
The new trains have free wifi, charging sockets and hotelstyle keycard entry to cabins. Prices for basic bunk bed cabins start at £140 for solo use or £170 for two sharing.