Successful ‘Staycation Express’ season for RCS
THE NINE-WEEK summer season of the Rail Charter Services ‘Staycation Express’ came to an end in early September with the company buoyed by another successful operation, despite a few challenges during the earlier part of the season.
This was the second year that RCS operated its ‘Staycation Express’ services over the scenic Settle & Carlisle route, but this year they were run using a refurbished all-first Class fivecoach HST set belonging to Locomotive Intercity Ltd, but painted in RCS’S distinctive racing green and silver livery. For the 2020 season the company had previously used locomotive-hauled trains hauling ex-greater Anglia Mk.3 coaches.
RCS director Adrian Quine told Railways Illustrated: “This year was an improvement on 2020 in terms of passenger feedback, owing to improved rolling stock, catering etc. “The expanded route to Carlisle, along with mix-and-match tickets, also gave far more flexibility for passengers.”
One of the biggest differences with the 2021 season has been the opening up of foreign travel after the relaxing of coronavirus restrictions.
When asked if he believed this had any effect on demand for the services, Mr Quine explained: “It had very little effect on us, with strong demand particularly on the Skipton or Settle to Carlisle morning service and the early afternoon return, with some trains running full.”
The train was not without its problems, as platform availability at Carlisle saw services start from Appleby to Skipton in the morning and terminate in Appleby in the afternoon, before the HST ran empty back to Carlisle for stabling each evening. Mr Quine is hoping that the train can start and finish each day from Carlisle in the future.
The company withdrew its Sunday services midway through the 2021 season, as demand was far lower than on any of the other days it operated. Problems with local catering suppliers were also experienced during the earlier part of the season, although RCS introduced changes to its suppliers to overcome the issues that affected it during the first couple of weeks.
The train is back on the Settle & Carlisle line during the October halfterm holiday, with the same operating arrangements that were in place during the summer. Mr Quine said the company is looking at other possible operations for its services, but nothing has been confirmed yet. He also stated that the HST would generally be restricted to RCS use only, and would not routinely be used by Locomotive Services Ltd.
RCS is evaluating its operation and marketing for the 2022 season and hopes to announce its plans soon.