OVERNIGHT SUCCESS? Frank Millard looks at the refurbishment of First ScotRail's Caledonian sleeper fleet in the context of maximum impact from a limited budget

摘要

THE RIGHT BLEND OF comfort and service can turn a long train journey into a pleasurable expenence in its own right. It was with this consideration in mind that First ScotRail, UK, asked its customers what they wanted in the way of improvements to the operators Caledonian Sleeper service. The trick for First ScotRail, however, was not to merely oblige but to do so within a challenging budget while at the same time appealing to new passengers. Following this extensive customer survey, the operator has embarked upon its major upgrade and refurbishment of the Anglo-Scottish service (connecting London Euston with Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William) with an investment of ￡1 million in new fixtures and fittings. The work is currently being carried out by Axion Rail - a new trading arm of EWS for the supply of rolling stock services, including refurbishment and maintenance.