Caledonian Sleeper Service to Scotland Cancelled
The new Caledonian Sleeper service is currently plagued with a host of issues from mechanical breakdowns to occasional staffing shortages with it having to cancel its Lowland service.
The new Caledonian Sleeper train.
However, I am not here to join in the media criticism of it. As I happen to think that this brand-new set of rolling stock will come through this period of extended traumas.
Rather like when Boeing introduced its Dreamliner and for a while that turned into a nightmare-liner!
There were several issues with the 787 at that time. There were problems with its batteries and airlines like Qatar had to ground their recently purchased fleet of Dreamliners.
Arrival at Heathrow of the first Qatar Dreamliner (Boeing 787) the service started Thurs 13th Dec 2012
But just look at that aircraft now, it’s so popular with passengers and the airlines alike. I have flown on several, with both Virgin and British Airways and every time had enjoyable, hassle-free trips.
I really hope that the new Caledonian Sleeper will work through these glitches and that it goes on to offer a great service from London to Scotland in the coming months.
How many new and improved forms of transport have been dogged with launch issues over the years?
SWEET DREAMS OR NIGHTMARE?
Maybe it’s something to do with their names and their association with nights, sleeping and dreams?
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TRAIN
Having recently travelled on this new train I have to say that it is much better all round in the layout and styling of the cabins.
From this on the older 40 year old train.
SEE CHANGES TO THE TRAIN
The overall design looks good and is up to date and I thought the ride and comfort overnight was also improved over the old one. A private combined shower and toilet in my room was ideal. The shower delivered a good flow of warm water at a good pressure to freshen me up as I arrived back into London from Glasgow.
The new dining and lounge car on the new train.
Today news that the company have had to withdraw the train from service and make alternative arrangements with many of its customers booked to travel which I am sorry to hear about.
Certainly this is not what its customers want to hear of course. But I firmly believe that this service will bounce back despite some easy media critical pot shots being aimed at it.
The train and the service it can offer will go onto provide an important night sleeper service to and from Scotland in the end.
This is a great way to travel and its environmentally better too.
