Caledonian Sleeper services are now publicly run, with the Scottish Government hailing the ‘flourishing’ rail brand as it brought it within its ‘Operator of Last Resort’.
The new arrangement from Sunday (25 June) will see the service run by an arm’s length company owned and controlled by the Scottish Government, replacing the previous franchise operated by Serco Caledonian Sleepers Limited.
Newly appointed transport minister Fiona Hyslop said: ‘The decision to mobilise Operator of Last Resort arrangements, announced to Parliament earlier this year, followed an extensive review and consideration of the options available to provide Caledonian Sleeper services beyond June this year, when the current franchise expires.
‘This review was conducted against the background of substantial uncertainty regarding future market conditions and the pace and impact of the UK Government’s rail reform process.’
She added: ‘It is fitting that we recognise the successes of the staff and management at the Caledonian Sleeper who have transformed this service, and who will remain as valued members of the team. I give my reassurances that there is a continued role for them to play in the future success of the service.
‘In recent years, the Caledonian Sleeper has flourished, with increasing numbers of people using its unique journey opportunities. The service plays an important role in showcasing the best of Scotland and I look forward to building on that success in the years to come.’
However, the RMT union said it had played a pivotal role in campaigning for the service being taken into public ownership after it was 'poorly handled by private contractors’.
General secretary Mick Lynch said: ‘With all of its rail passenger services now in public ownership, the Scottish Government needs to commence the long-awaited national conversation on rail without delay.
‘At the heart of this must be investment in expanding and improving services, ruling out cuts to ticket offices and properly staffing Scotland’s railway to make it accessible for all.’
