Uncertain future for the Caledonian Sleeper service

THE Caledonian Sleeper, which has been a regular sight on the West Coast Main Line since ScotRail relaunched the brand in 1996, now has an uncertain future following the latest announcement by owning group Serco concerning its franchise agreement.

In May 2014 the franchise for operating the Caledonian Sleeper service was awarded to Serco, which immediately set about a programme of investment to modernise the inherited rolling stock. The existing Mk.2 and Mk.3 coaches were replaced with Mk.5 vehicles able to offer en suite facilities and a new style of club car for refreshments.

These improvements swept away the unreliable and outdated fleet of carriages dating back to the 1970s and paved the way for a new image of 21st century main line travel.

A rebase clause in the current franchise agreement means that after seven years Serco could present alternative arrangements for the remaining years of the franchise.

Serco and the Scottish Government could not reach an agreement on how the management of the service will continue.

Serco is continuing the negotiations, but if a consensus is not reached by June 2023 then the current agreement will end and management will default to the Scottish Government.