2014-10-30 Serco appoints Managing Director to run the iconic Caledonian Sleeper franchise (Serco Group)

2014-05-28 Exciting new Sleeper contract unveiled (Transport Scotland)

2012-06-21 Rail Statement (Transport Scotland)

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date 28 June 2013
source Transport Scotland
type Press release

Transport Minister today updated the Scottish Parliament on the Caledonian Sleeper franchise and that three companies have been shortlisted to tender for the contract which operates overnight rail services from Inverness, Fort William, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow to London.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said:

“I am delighted at the positive interest shown in the Caledonian sleeper franchise competition and that the contract remains on track to be awarded next summer.

“The sleeper service is much more than just a rail service, it is a world recognised Scottish transport icon and the Scottish Government will be seeking to realise its true potential as a portal for business and tourism by making improvements that will lead to improved quality and greater value for its passengers.

“Following a rigorous competition, Arriva Night Trains Ltd, Serco Ltd and First Caledonian Sleeper Ltd have been shortlisted to tender for the franchise. Final tender documents are expected to be issued in the autumn with the three bidders due to submit their responses at the turn of the year. The winning bidder will be notified in early summer next year to enable preparatory work to transform the service in advance of the start of the new franchise in April 2015.

“I look forward to seeing further progress to transform the Caledonian sleeper service and ensure that it meets the needs of passengers and delivers a service fit for 21st century.

Background

Arriva Night Trains Ltd is a subsidiary of Arriva Trains, which in turn is owned by DB, the German state railway company. DB operates the largest network of sleeper services in Western Europe.

Serco Ltd operates sleeper trains aimed at the tourist market in Australia, including the Indian Pacific between Sydney and Perth.

First Group is the operator both of the existing Caledonian Sleeper service as part of ScotRail and also the London to Penzance sleeper service as part of the Great Western franchise.

The Caledonian Sleeper franchise will be for a term of 15 years, with a review process during the franchise term. The franchise will start on 1 April 2015.

Publication Date:
Fri 28/Jun/2013

Railhub Archive ::: 2013-06-28 TSC-001