Tender process launched for Caledonian Sleeper service franchise

Date: 5/4/2013

Transport Scotland is welcome to bids for a fresh 15-year franchise to operate the Caledonian Sleeper service, the International Railway Journal reports.

The overnight train comprises of two routes per day - one from London to Glasgow/Edinburgh and another from London to Aberdeen/Inverness/Fort William.

It is expected that Transport Scotland will invest between £50 million and £60 million in the initiative, with the British Government though to be ready to provide a further £50 million.

Any franchise agreement will include a mechanism for profit support, with a new brand and fresh marketing approach being devised in a bid to increase passenger numbers and revenues.

The successful bidder is scheduled to be announced in June, with Transport Scotland looking to attract interest from the country's top four potential operators as it looks to ensure a stable future for the route in the coming years.

Posted by Sarah Bailey

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