Caledonian Sleeper's new fleet

A “hotel-style” experience is being promised for passengers after the Caledonian Sleeper unveiled details of a new £150m train fleet ahead of its phased introduction from next spring.

Descriptions and computer-generated images are now available on a new company website where visitors can see the development of the 75 state-of-the-art carriages currently under construction.

The new trains will offer a range of accommodation options including new suites, each with a double bed and en-suite facilities. Other new features include a hotel-style keycard entry system and bespoke “comfort seats” designed for long journeys.

Passengers will also find upgraded panels for phone and gadget charging and wi-fi throughout the train as part of what chairman Peter Strachan called “the Caledonian experience” to allow them to wake at their destinations refreshed and relaxed.

He added: “This website enables the public to see the latest on the trains and the exciting things to come. The sleeper is already a fantastic way to travel, and the new trains will improve the service dramatically – without the hassle of flying.”

Introduction of new trains is the culmination of a range of improvements since Serco took over the Caledonian Sleeper franchise on behalf of the Scottish government in April 2015.

www.sleeper.scot/2-news/85-newtrains

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OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum

Andrew Sharp, United Kingdom

David, if you try closing it you will find out exactly why the money was spent! A LOT of important people use it.

Alex McWhirter, United Kingdom

I hear what you say, David. But these upgraded sleeper services will be aimed at upmarket tourists and business travellers. I suspect they will also be popular with MPs some of whom have constituences away from the big cities. One must remember that the sleepers do not only service Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. It is refreshing to know that the UK (unlike the situation in mainland Europe where many sleeper services have been axed) continues to invest in overnight trains. Besides the Anglo-Scottish services the GWR overnight links to the West Country have been given a makeover.

David Starkie, United Kingdom

It is astonishing that so much money (a £60 mn. grant from the Scottish Executive for the new build) can be spent on this highly subsidised service at a time of so-called austerity. And how necessary is it given the extensive air service network between London and Scotland?