Date: 25/02/2018

FEARS have been raised over the future of Scotlands railways after the operator of Caledonian Sleeper service warned it might hand the keys back. Serco, which took over running the night trains to and from London in 2015, last week revealed it had taken a £30 million hit on the franchise as a result of a sharp increase in costs. The terms of the sleeper contract means Serco can try and get the taxpayer to pay for half of its losses from 2020 but the outsourcing giant also warned it may seek an early exit from the 15-year franchise. It comes just weeks after it was announced the UK East Coast franchise deal will end early and comes amid continuing performance and financial problems for ScotRail franchise holder, Abellio.

External links

Fears over the future of Caledonian Sleeper train - Sunday Post

Sunday Post

FEARS have been raised over the future of Scotlands railways after the operator of Caledonian Sleeper service warned it might hand the keys back.

Related images

The Aberdeen portion of the Caledonian Sleeper calls at Inverkeithing at 00.12 on 25 May on its way to Edinburgh Waverley, where it will combine with the Inverness and Fort William portions for the onward journey to London Euston.
Location: Inverkeithing
Company: Dunfermline and Queensferry Railway
25/05/2011 Bill Roberton

For only the second time, two Class 73's have hauled the Caledonian Sleeper to Inverness. 73966 and 73967 are pictured leaving Culloden Viaduct on the return working to Edinburgh on 21 May 2016. There the sleeper coaches will those from Fort William and Aberdeen before going on to London Euston.
Location: Culloden Viaduct
Company: Inverness and Aviemore Direct Railway (Highland Railway)
21/05/2016 John Gray

The Lowland Caledonian Sleeper, hauled by 92043, photographed soon after arrival at Euston in February 2018. The new Mark 5 Sleeper coaches will not now be introduced until October 2018. [See recent news item]
Location: London Euston
Company: London and Birmingham Railway
08/02/2018 Colin McDonald