Serco’s Caledonian Sleeper, the overnight train service between London and Scotland, has introduced new trains into operations.
The carriages have started operations on the Lowlander route between London and Glasgow/Edinburgh.
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In the coming weeks, the trains will be introduced on the Highlander route between London and Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William.
Serco managing director for Caledonian Sleeper Ryan Flaherty said: “Our new trains have been years in the making and to see them make their debut is a huge moment for everyone involved in making this dream a reality.
“The overriding ambition has been to deliver on our vision of a Caledonian Sleeper service fit for today’s traveller, one that combines the modern facilities people expect with that feeling of nostalgia that comes from long-distance railway travel.”
Serco acquired the train fleet for around £150m, which has been partly financed by the UK Government and Scottish ministers.
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By GlobalDataDeveloped by Spanish company CAF, the fleet is designed to meet the requirements of modern passengers.
Various forms of accommodation are available on the trains, including Classic Rooms, Club Rooms, Caledonian Double and Accessible Rooms.
It also includes redesigned comfort seats with a personal locker, reading light and charging point with Wi-Fi services across the train.
Additionally, accommodations will be equipped with a hotel-style keycard entry system to ensure security.
Serco chief executive Rupert Soames said: “This is a proud and exciting moment for everyone who has been involved in bringing these new trains into service.
“It has been an incredibly complex project and this is the culmination of a huge effort and investment by all parties.”
In January, the Caledonian Sleeper trains completed their test run to London Euston.
