New Caledonian Sleeper carriages delayed until Spring 2019

01st October 2018

Originally expected to go into service later this month, it has now been announced that the new high tech fleet of Caledonian Sleeper Mk5 carriages will now not enter service until next Spring.

Built by CAF in Spain, the rolling stock had due to enter service on the 'lowlander' route from October 28th but will now start in Spring 2019 with Highlander services expected to arrive shortly afterwards.

Ryan Flaherty, Serco’s Managing Director at Caledonian Sleeper, said: “Our new trains will mark a magical new chapter in rail travel in the UK. The new sleeper carriages are absolutely superb, and will transform the experience of travelling by train between Scotland and England. We are sorry that we will not be able to launch the service this autumn, and understand that customers who wanted to travel on them in 2018 will be disappointed. But with five different accommodation types, as well as on board catering, dining and shower facilities, this is the most complex introduction of new rolling stock ever undertaken in the UK, and we are determined to get it right.”

Guests who have already booked on a Lowland service on or after October 28 will be offered a full refund or opportunity to rebook if they no longer wish to travel on the older rolling stock. For those who still wish to travel and had booked one of the new accommodation options, Caledonian Sleeper will refund the difference in cost.

Author: Darren Porter
Image: Caledonian Sleeper