Caledonian Sleeper reve
CALEDONIAN Sleeper was due to unveil its Mk 5 Sleeper prototype on June 30, the day after this issue of RAIL went to press.
The operator has also released images of the first bodyshells for the carriages, which are being built by Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) in Beasain, Spain. They will enter traffic in 2018, replacing the existing Mk 2 and Mk 3 fleets.
Scottish Transport Minister Humza Yousaf MSP visited the mock-up, and said: “When investing upwards of £60 million, we wanted a new Sleeper service that incorporated cutting-edge design, topclass passenger catering and a service that was emblematic of the very best Scotland has to offer. We also wanted a service that would enhance travel options to and from London as well as encourage more tourists to visit Scotland.”
Describing the Mk 5s as “breathtaking”, he said they offered a “glimpse of what innovative and never-before-seen upgrades to services rail passengers can expect”.
The new carriages feature double-room accommodation, a first for the UK. The new fleet will also have en-suite toilets and showers in a number of rooms in the accommodation carriages.
“Sitting with Humza Yousaf aboard the new Lounge Car allowed us to fast forward to 2018 and get a real feel for what will be a new standard of overnight travel between Scotland and London,” said Caledonian Sleeper Managing Director Peter Strachan.
CS said that the design has evolved from the original plans following various consultations. Features added to the original design include a key card entry system, more accessible rooms and reclining seats. There will also be upgraded panels for phone and gadget charging, and WiFi. CS aims to create a hotel-style experience for passengers, and plans to upgrade the Lounge Car design with more seating options and social space.
The Mk 5s were ordered by Serco when it was awarded the CS franchise by Transport Scotland in 2014 ( RAIL 750). CS has ordered 75 vehicles in a £150 million deal, part funded by a £60m capital grant from Scottish government.
The first Mk 5s for CS are due to arrive in the UK for testing towards the end of next year.