Caledonian Sleeper

[side effect]

I'd say half and half and it was a perfect landing which everyone found funny.

 

[Scotrail84]

Email just received from Caledonian Sleeper - Caledonian Sleeper lounges at Leuchars, Dundee and Perth station are closing permanently this week.
---
Dear Sleeper Guest,

Why are we contacting you?
We can see from our records that you have upcoming bookings for Caledonian Sleeper to or from Leuchars, Dundee or Perth station.  We are writing to confirm that from 21st February 2025, our Caledonian Sleeper lounges at these stations will be closed permanently.

Why are we doing this?
These lounges are used by a very small number of guests, compared to our other lounge locations. Therefore, as part of a review of our lounges, we have taken the decision, in conjunction with Scottish Rail Holdings and Transport Scotland, to close them.  We apologise for any inconvenience to guests who use the lounges in these locations, however we want to reassure you that we will continue to operate Caledonian Sleeper services to and from Dundee, Perth and Leuchars. Only the lounges at these locations are affected.

Are there other waiting and toilet facilities available at Leuchars, Perth and Dundee stations?
Yes, public waiting and toilet facilities are available at these stations. In addition, guests in Caledonian Double and Club accommodation, and guests with accessibility needs departing/arriving in London will be able to take advantage of the Caledonian Sleeper Lounge located alongside Platform 1 in Euston station. This includes refreshments and accessible shower facilities. For details of available facilities at Leuchars, Dundee or Perth station please see here Stations and facilities | ScotRail.

What if you need to ask a question about my journey on the night?
Should there be any enquiries about the service on the night of travel our guest services team is available via live chat or social media throughout the night. Our team will also send text message updates should there be any change to the service.

Where can you get further information?
You can contact us on live chat at https://www.sleeper.scot/contact-us if you have any questions about the closure of our lounges.  Guest ambassadors are available from 12pm on Sundays until 4pm on Saturdays.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to welcoming you onboard in future.

Kind regards
Stacey Fleming
Guest Experience Director
Caledonian Sleeper
www.caledoniansleeper.scot

I said a few pages back that this was on the cards. A complete waste of public money to build them in the first place. Anytime I've went past Leuchars lounge this year it's never been open. Dundee was a hit or miss too, and Perth you cant tell as its not at platform level.

This will be SRH coming in and starting the cost cutting. I see the MD is also stepping down, (or she's been told to go by SRH). That will save them an eye watering £215,000 a year on her salary because its highly unlikely whoever takes over (if anyone), will not be paid anywhere near that amount going forward.

 

[norbitonflyer]

If we're splitting the threads, best do it into three.

At Edinburgh, of course. With users of one thread having to log out and rejoin via the platform.

 

[mathstrains19]

At Edinburgh, of course. With users of one thread having to log out and rejoin via the platform.

Oh only the seated passengers though. Those of us in the sleeper accommodation just switch threads automatically

 

[Cat Lechat]

Has anyone taken their bike on the sleeper and how were your experiences if so?
I'm looking at doing a cycling trip this summer that would be easiest starting and ending on the sleeper, but they have a warning that in busy times they may ask you to use a bike bag (effectively dismantle your bike to take up less space) which is an issue, as I don't know what I'd do with the bag while cycling around the Highlands for a week. It seems to be something you could have imposed on you after you've bought the ticket as well, so you can't just book a quiet service, as you don't know who/what might book after you.
Whenever I've taken the sleeper there's been at most one bike in the racks, and that's on Fridays & Sundays when you'd expect it to be busiest. Any ideas on how frequently that condition gets enforced? Or on whether they consider a bin bag with some carefully applied bungee cords to be an adequate bag?

Edit: typo

 

[timbobean]

Has anyone taken their bike on the sleeper and how were your experiences if so?
I'm looking at doing a cycling trip this summer that would be easiest starting and ending on the sleeper, but they have a warning that in busy times they may ask you to use a bike bag (effectively dismantle your bike to take up less space) which is an issue, as I don't know what I'd do with the bag while cycling around the Highlands for a week. It seems to be something you could have imposed on you after you've bought the ticket as well, so you can't just book a quiet service, as you don't know who what night book after you.
Whenever I've taken the sleeper there's been at most one bike in the racks, and that's on Fridays & Sundays when you'd expect it to be busiest. Any ideas on how frequently that condition gets enforced? Or on whether they consider a bin bag with some carefully applied bungee cords to be an adequate bag?

I have done it a few times, Edinburgh to London and back again. The bike rack is in the seating carriage and is much bigger than the cupboard LNER have on their trains. Hence you will not have your bike trapped behind someone else’s and you will be able to get off at a time of your own choosing. I have always found the staff very bike friendly, with no one groaning at the thought of a bike on their trains - at least what I could see.

I have never been asked to use a bike bag (and not sure I have ever seen anything to suggest that possibility but perhaps I have missed it). It’s a positive experience and I will be doing this again in a few weeks time

 

[alistairlees]

Has anyone taken their bike on the sleeper and how were your experiences if so?
I'm looking at doing a cycling trip this summer that would be easiest starting and ending on the sleeper, but they have a warning that in busy times they may ask you to use a bike bag (effectively dismantle your bike to take up less space) which is an issue, as I don't know what I'd do with the bag while cycling around the Highlands for a week. It seems to be something you could have imposed on you after you've bought the ticket as well, so you can't just book a quiet service, as you don't know who what night book after you.
Whenever I've taken the sleeper there's been at most one bike in the racks, and that's on Fridays & Sundays when you'd expect it to be busiest. Any ideas on how frequently that condition gets enforced? Or on whether they consider a bin bag with some carefully applied bungee cords to be an adequate bag?

If you have to take your bike in a bag it wll be clear in the booking. If it is not mentioned, then there is no need for a bag.

 

[erk]

Has anyone taken their bike on the sleeper and how were your experiences if so?
I'm looking at doing a cycling trip this summer that would be easiest starting and ending on the sleeper, but they have a warning that in busy times they may ask you to use a bike bag (effectively dismantle your bike to take up less space) which is an issue, as I don't know what I'd do with the bag while cycling around the Highlands for a week. It seems to be something you could have imposed on you after you've bought the ticket as well, so you can't just book a quiet service, as you don't know who/what might book after you.
Whenever I've taken the sleeper there's been at most one bike in the racks, and that's on Fridays & Sundays when you'd expect it to be busiest. Any ideas on how frequently that condition gets enforced? Or on whether they consider a bin bag with some carefully applied bungee cords to be an adequate bag?

Bear in mind that if going to or from Fort William you have to transfer your bike yourself from one carriage to another in Edinburgh. The staff used to do it for you, but now they don't. I expect someone complained of damage, and CS took the easy way out.

I too have never heard of a need to use a bike bag.

 

[SWFreight]

At Edinburgh, of course. With users of one thread having to log out and rejoin via the platform.

Brilliant!

 

[Scotrail84]

Bear in mind that if going to or from Fort William you have to transfer your bike yourself from one carriage to another in Edinburgh. The staff used to do it for you, but now they don't. I expect someone complained of damage, and CS took the easy way out.

I too have never heard of a need to use a bike bag.

That was never a thing.

 

[glenbogle]

I’ve just seen the cost of my Club Flexipass go up from £2300 to £2750.
A Classic is now £2350 from whatever it was before.
The Club is an increase of a tad under 20%. They certainly kept quiet about that. I thought I would have got an email about the increase.

 

[Gonzoiku]

I’ve just seen the cost of my Club Flexipass go up from £2300 to £2750.
A Classic is now £2350 from whatever it was before.
The Club is an increase of a tad under 20%. They certainly kept quiet about that. I thought I would have got an email about the increase.

Pretty much doubled in ten years, with noticeably less flexibility too.

 

[Scotrail84]

I’ve just seen the cost of my Club Flexipass go up from £2300 to £2750.
A Classic is now £2350 from whatever it was before.
The Club is an increase of a tad under 20%. They certainly kept quiet about that. I thought I would have got an email about the increase.

I'm sure thy answered a post on twitter recently stating there was no plans to increase any fares.

EDIT. Found the post but it does refer to June 2023.

x.com

x.com

 

[12LDA28C]

This will be SRH coming in and starting the cost cutting. I see the MD is also stepping down, (or she's been told to go by SRH). That will save them an eye watering £215,000 a year on her salary because its highly unlikely whoever takes over (if anyone), will not be paid anywhere near that amount going forward.

If you're referring to Joanne Maguire, was she not only an interim MD anyway? This suggests ScotRail are about to appoint a new MD (possibly because Alex Hynes' secondment to the DfT will be extended) and I certainly wouldn't bet on their salary being any less than that of the outgoing MD.

 

[Scotrail84]

If you're referring to Joanne Maguire, was she not only an interim MD anyway? This suggests ScotRail are about to appoint a new MD (possibly because Alex Hynes' secondment to the DfT will be extended) and I certainly wouldn't bet on their salary being any less than that of the outgoing MD.

No, not Joanne Maguire, she's the MD of ScotRail. It's the MD of the Sleeper who is stepping down. Kathryn Darbandi is her name. Theres an article about it in the Scottish Herald but its behind a pay wall.

Caledonian Sleeper director to step down

The boss of Caledonian Sleeper, Kathryn Darbandi, has announced she will step down from her role as managing director, The Herald can reveal.

www.heraldscotland.com

 

[12LDA28C]

No, not Joanne Maguire, she's the MD of ScotRail. It's the MD of the Sleeper who is stepping down. Kathryn Darbandi is her name. Theres an article about it in the Scottish Herald but its behind a pay wall.

Caledonian Sleeper director to step down

The boss of Caledonian Sleeper, Kathryn Darbandi, has announced she will step down from her role as managing director, The Herald can reveal.

www.heraldscotland.com

Ah yes of course, thanks. My point still stands about the salary though. They will need to pay whatever is necessary to attract the right candidate.

 

[Scotrail84]

Ah yes of course, thanks. My point still stands about the salary though. They will need to pay whatever is necessary to attract the right candidate.

Theres no chance a new MD of the sleeper (if SRH appoint one) will be on anywhere near the salary of what KD is currently earning. The head of SRH is on less than half of that. SRH are trying to cut costs, not increase them.

 

[merseydrew]

Is it possible to book tickets for the seated section on the 21:15 Caledonian Sleeper Inverness service between Euston and Crewe? I have tried to book this journey via the website & trainline however I haven't been able to

 

[alistairlees]

Is it possible to book tickets for the seated section on the 21:15 Caledonian Sleeper Inverness service between Euston and Crewe? I have tried to book this journey via the website & trainline however I haven't been able to

No. Crewe is pick up only in that direction.

 

[merseydrew]

No. Crewe is pick up only in that direction.

Is it possible to book a journey from Crewe to Euston? And is it possible to travel between Preston & Euston?

 

[Mag_seven]

Is it possible to book a journey from Crewe to Euston? And is it possible to travel between Preston & Euston?

Not on the Caledonian Sleeper, no.

 

[A S Leib]

Apart from the fact that there's probably more money in carrying more England–Scotland passengers, the 05:13 from Lancaster gets to Euston around fifteen minutes after the Highlander's planned to (at the same time it's advertised to), and the last Avanti Preston service leaves Euston five minutes before the northbound Highlander, which doesn't leave a lot of cases where the Sleeper would make travel between Preston / Crewe and Euston easier.

 

[47296lastduff]

Presumably you could travel EUS to CRE on the sleeper if willing to pay the fare to the nearest official set-down in Scotland.

 

[Scotrail84]

Presumably you could travel EUS to CRE on the sleeper if willing to pay the fare to the nearest official set-down in Scotland.

It's a pick up only service though. You'd have to keep quiet and just get off at Crewe saying your plans have changed and cant travel anymore. Thats not something I'd encourage anyone to do though. If the crew see anyone leaving the train at a pick up only station they will rightly question you. Bear in mind the company have your details when booking so if you did this on a regular basis it might flag up.

 

[Indigo Soup]

Presumably you could travel EUS to CRE on the sleeper if willing to pay the fare to the nearest official set-down in Scotland.

One runs the risk, if the train has no booked pickups, that it doesn't stop at all. Then you wind up in Stirling, Dundee, Glasgow or Dalmuir, depending on which portion you booked and whether the Fort William portion also stops at Glasgow. AFAIK it's not permitted to leave the train when it splits at Edinburgh.

 

[MrJeeves]

AFAIK it's not permitted to leave the train when it splits at Edinburgh.

You have to if you're going to Fort William, so I think that would be rather tricky to enforce :P

 

[Scotrail84]

One runs the risk, if the train has no booked pickups, that it doesn't stop at all. Then you wind up in Stirling, Dundee, Glasgow or Dalmuir, depending on which portion you booked and whether the Fort William portion also stops at Glasgow. AFAIK it's not permitted to leave the train when it splits at Edinburgh.

Crewe is a booked stop and a driver change point. Very rarely will the Highlander sleeper not stop there, only during major disruption.

You cannot alight at Edinburgh in either direction except the Fort William southbound, and only to change from the Aberdeen seats to the Fort William seats travelling Northbound. Its not a set down point except for FTW-EBD seated passengers.

 

[styles]

It's a pick up only service though. You'd have to keep quiet and just get off at Crewe saying your plans have changed and cant travel anymore. Thats not something I'd encourage anyone to do though. If the crew see anyone leaving the train at a pick up only station they will rightly question you. Bear in mind the company have your details when booking so if you did this on a regular basis it might flag up.

Not that I'm encouraging it, but nobody actually verifies your name matches your booking when boarding. I had a PA book a ticket on my behalf a couple of years back and she booked it under her name. I do not look like a Joanne, even with a liberal view of gender identity.

 

[side effect]

I remember when I took my son and daughter to Carlisle for a few days and we went on the sleeper to Glasgow and we stopped at Carlisle if my memory serves me right but we preferred to get of at Glc as it would have been too early to get off. We were going to do the scenic route back but was too expensive so we got tpe return.
Carlisle staff let me and my son spot there to about 4.30am and even kept the waiting room open for us but my son at the time about 13 was out in a t shirt all the time.
It was also when they were testing the new rolling stock so we see our fare share that morning.
There were even spotters with a set up like night fishing people that usually stay the night.

A little off topic but happy time we had.

 

[A S Leib]

Presumably you could travel EUS to CRE on the sleeper if willing to pay the fare to the nearest official set-down in Scotland.

Slightly off-topic, but do e.g. Avanti and Lumo tend to (try to) penalise passengers going from London to Watford Junction or Stevenage using an Interrail pass, London to Newcastle anytime single etc.?