Rail 2014 Consultation Analysis

11 Caledonian sleeper

Q37 - Should we continue to specify sleeper services, or should this be a purely commercial matter for a train operating company?

Table of responses

Popular themes

  1. - Sleeper services should continue to be specified
  2. - Sleeper services should continue to be run
    (only two significant popular themes)

Key themes

11.1 This question resulted in a high number of responses. More than half of the respondents who answered the question stated that these services should continue to be specified by Transport Scotland.

"Sleeper services to Glasgow and Edinburgh may no longer be necessary, but those to the Highlands should definitely be specified especially to the West coast where there are few alternatives eg the closest airport to Fort William is over 2 hours away. Going by train during the day takes all day. The sleeper service to Fort William is very important economically, it is also inspiring and unique - more joined up marketing with local businesses and VisitScotland."
Nevis Range Development Company plc

11.2 Many of the respondents expressed strong opinions about the merits and value of the service; with most stating that it must continue to be run. Key themes were that it provided vital links for both business and tourism and offered the only real alternative to air travel to the south of England. Indeed, a great deal of the arguments for retaining the Caledonian Sleeper were replicated within questions on cross-border services.

"These services provide a vital economic link for many businesses in the region, providing a convenient early arrival for business meetings in London, and are also vital to the tourism industry and destinations in Central and Tayside, including Gleneagles, Dunkeld & Birnam, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl and communities along the West Highland line, including Crianlarich, Tyndrum and Rannoch. The operation of additional early or late trains to/from Edinburgh would not address the overall long journey times from stations in the region to London, therefore retention of through sleeper services to Fort William, Inverness and Aberdeen, is essential."
tactran

11.3 In comparison, less than 10% of respondents to this question said it should be a commercial decision made by the train operating company. This was a very small proportion of all responses, particularly in comparison to the initial two themes.

11.4 A small group of respondents stated that minimum services should be specified, with the operator able to add additional services as they saw fit; while a similar size of group said that they should continue to be provided as they are presently.

"The sleeper services should continue to offer a viable alternative to air travel to and from the south east of England, and should be specified by Scottish Ministers."
The South West of Scotland Transport Partnership

"We believe that no commercial operation could provide the degree of service and complexity of the ScotRail sleeper operation. HITRANS' recent Sleeper Operations Report provides details of the operation of the Sleepers."
HITRANS

Organisational and individual responses

11.5 Essentially there were no real significant differences of opinion between responses received from organisations compared with those from the general public. Both organisations and the public overwhelmingly thought that services should continue to be specified as opposed to being left as a commercial decision for operators, and that importantly these services should continue to operate.

Geographical analysis

11.6 As explained within section 2.26, a geographical analysis was undertaken of all the responses that included location information. The analysis undertaken shows that the HITRANS region generated a higher than average proportion of responses in contrast to the other large Regional Transport Partnerships of SEStran and SPT

11.7 Whilst a large proportion of respondents who thought that Sleeper services should continue to be specified originated within the HITRANS region, almost 60% of respondents who wanted the service to continue to run were located within the SEStran, Nestran and tactran regions. Respondents from SPT and SEStran were also proponents of specification should be a commercial matter for train operating companies.

11.8 The high level of responses from the HITRANS region was potentially due to the fact that many of the current origin stations of the Highland Sleeper Service are in the Highlands, and that the options on changes to the service would directly impact those in the HITRANS region.

Q38 - Should the Caledonian Sleeper services be contracted for separately from the main ScotRail franchise? Or should it be an option for within the main ScotRail franchise?

Table of responses

Popular themes

  1. - It should not be managed/contracted separately (from the main franchise)
  2. - It should be managed/contracted separately (if viable)
  3. - The service should be continued but no specific opinion expressed on how (in terms of franchise)

Key themes

11.9 The most popular key theme was that the sleeper service should not be contracted separately from the main franchise. Indeed this belief accounted for almost half of all relevant consultation returns to this question. Those respondents often stated that the Sleeper service is a key component of the network and whilst it should be given special consideration, it should however form part of the ScotRail franchise.

"I believe it should be integral to the ScotRail franchise to ensure a service that best meets the needs of the Scottish people."
Public Response

"The services should be contracted for best service-delivery and value for money. However, I think the services should be protected by being linked to the much larger overall ScotRail franchise."
Public Response

11.10 The second popular theme to emerge was the notion that the service should be managed and contracted separately from the main franchise, if this was proven to be a viable option. It should be noted that whilst a significant number opted for this option, the total amounted to just over half of those who wished to see the Sleeper service remain as part of the main franchise. A number of those respondents who supported the idea of a separate contracts highlighted the importance that ScotRail should not be locked out of bidding for such services.

"it would be financially viable to have this Service contracted for in a separate manner from the main ScotRail Franchise. This would enable generation of increased income. Sleeper only Franchise could attract new entrants to the rail Franchise market. They may innovate their own new ideas about this service. The heavy cost of operation and maintenance would then be the sole concern of this Train Operator."
Plains Community Council

"Consideration might be given to treating the sleeper services as a separate franchise, but allowing prospective operators to bid for either franchise, or for both as a bundle. This will allow Scottish Minister most flexibility in selecting the most appropriate proposals. The opportunity for sleeper services to assist with local connectivity issues may be lost under a separate franchise. We would be keen to investigate the potential for the sleeper services to provide late evening and early morning connectivity between Lockerbie Station and Glasgow/Edinburgh."
The South West of Scotland Transport Partnership

11.11 A further group of respondents emphasised that the priority was to ensure that sleeper services continue to operate without expressing any opinion on how they should be contracted.

11.12 The next most significant answer was that sleeper services should remain as they are. Unlike the first two themes, this group of respondents expressed no opinion on the nature of how the sleeper is provided in terms of franchise, these respondents only wanted to see the service remain in place.

11.13 A number of responses were received noting that the sleeper service also provides additional capacity for commuters travelling from the Highlands to the Central Belt.

"A separate franchise for the Caledonian Sleepers could attract bids from a lower cost specialised operator. On the other hand, the Highland and West Highland sleepers are an integral part of the ScotRail daytime timetable (providing a morning commuter service into Inverness, and a return journey from Edinburgh to Fort William). These daytime services should be preserved, with full ticket inter-availability with ScotRail tickets. There could be opportunities to more efficiently integrate sleeper and daytime train crew rosters if the sleeper remains with ScotRail."
Scottish Association for Public Transport

11.14 Outside of these themes, there was a small number of suggestions that the Sleeper Service should be better marketed to appeal to a wider market helping to support both the service and local industries.

"Whether or not the Sleeper services are contracted separately, the franchise should encourage better promotion/marketing of the services, particularly in South-East England. Operators should be encouraged to work more closely with the tourist industry in this respect, e.g. DMOs, hotel associations."
Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Organisational and individual responses

11.15 The major difference in responses between organisations and individual members of the public was the fact that a larger proportion of organisations thought there to be some merit in separately managed and contracted services. All other themes were broadly consistent across individual and organisational responses.

11.16 Economic and business groups and tourism groups in the main thought that the Sleeper Service should not be managed or contracted separately from the main franchise, whilst a larger proportion of local authorities who answered the question thought Sleeper Services should be contracted separately.

Geographical Analysis

11.17 As explained within section 2.26, a geographical analysis was undertaken of all the responses that included location information. Consistent with question 37, the HITRANS region generated a significant number of responses for this question. These respondents stated that the Sleeper was particularly important to the HITRANS area.

11.18 Responses from the HITRANS region were also higher than average for each of the three key themes, with almost 40% of responses who wanted to see the service continue but expressed no opinion on the terms of the franchise, located within the HITRANS area, although it should be noted that there was also a large response from the tactran area for this theme

Q39 - We would be interested in your views in the level and type of service that the Caledonian Sleeper Services should provide. Including:

What is the appeal of the Caledonian Sleeper Service, and if there were more early and late trains would the appeal of the sleeper services change?

What is the value of sleeper services to Fort William, Inverness and Aberdeen and are these the correct destinations, for example would Oban provide better connectivity?

What facilities should the sleeper services provide and would you pay more for better facilities?

Table of responses

Popular themes - Appeal of Service

  1. - There is little waste of daytime (i.e. zero travel time)
  2. - It is useful for passengers to arrive early at their final destination, often London
  3. - It is a good alternative to travel by air or car

Popular themes - Destinations

  1. - The current destinations are appropriate
  2. - Sleeper Services should run to Oban and Fort William
  3. - Sleeper Services to Aberdeen and Inverness are vital

Popular themes - Facilities

  1. - Buffet facilities/food services/restaurants are desirable
  2. - Toilets, which are clean and accessible, are desirable
  3. - Wi-Fi/internet connection (perhaps free) is desirable as is the ability to get a mobile phone signal

Key themes

11.19 Question 39 was essentially a 3-part question aimed at extracting views on the level and type of service that the Caledonian Sleeper Services should provide. It asked:

  • what is the appeal of the Caledonian Sleeper Service, and if there were more early and late conventional (i.e. non-sleeper) trains would the appeal of the sleeper services change?
  • what is the value of sleeper services to Fort William, Inverness and Aberdeen and are these the correct destinations, for example would Oban provide better connectivity?
  • what facilities should the sleeper services provide and would you pay more for better facilities?

Appeal of the service

11.20 The most common responses in terms of the appeal of the sleeper service was that there was no time wasted travelling during the day and it gets the traveller to their destination, nearly always London, early so they can make the most of their day.

"The current timetable fits well with needs and arrives in London in good time for early morning meetings. A calling point in the Midlands would usefully increase the journey opportunities. The current departure points in Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William are well located for the northern extremities of the UK and should not be changed."
The Highland Council

11.21 A large group identified the sleeper service as the only alternative to air travel to London from the north of Scotland, often saying it was a much better option than driving.

11.22 A considerable number of respondents thought that the service is ideal for business travel with slightly fewer mentioning that it was best suited to tourist or leisure trips.

"The great appeal of the sleeper service is you can do a full days' work, go home and pack and still be in time to catch the sleeper. You then travel overnight, in your own time, and arrive refreshed to do a full days work at your destination. You may even return that night on the next sleeper, and get another full day at the office. Early or late trains would be of no advantage, as sleepers are best at transporting people overnight on long distances like Inverness to London or London to Fort William. The sleeper service is great for tourism, which is a vital component in the Highland economy. Sleeper trains have plenty of room for suitcases, golf clubs and even bicycles if needed."
Cruise Highlands Ltd

11.23 Many more people thought that the existence of more early or late trains would not diminish the appeal of sleeper services, than thought that they would lessen their appeal.

11.24 A considerable number of respondents recognised that the sleeper service is a more environmentally friendly means of travel then by air, and slightly fewer said it brings tremendous economic benefit, mostly to the north of Scotland.

Organisational and individual responses

11.25 There were only marginal differences between what the organisations and individuals who replied to this part of the question thought. Organisations were more likely to state that it is useful to arrive early at their final destination, often London; this seemed of some importance to economic and business groups. Other organisations, including some equality groups and one trade union, acknowledged the environmental benefits of Sleeper Services over the alternatives (car or air travel).

11.26 Individuals more frequently noted that Sleeper Services are of great benefit for business travel.

Geographical analysis

11.27 As explained within section 2.26, a geographical analysis was undertaken of all the responses that included location information. The geographical analysis of this question is consistent with the other questions relating to the Caledonian Sleeper Service (Q37 and Q38), showing a higher than expected level of response from the HITRANS region. This reflects the importance of the Sleeper Service to the area. Indeed, the first two key themes appeared to be particularly important to respondents from within the HITRANS area, in terms of appeal of the service.

Destinations

11.28 Responses to this question were complicated to analyse due to the extensive list of destinations and justifications for each. Instead we have listed popular or, those which respondents thought were, vital destinations, in order of how frequently respondents expressed these opinions:

  • the current destinations are appropriate
  • service should run to both Oban and Fort William
  • services to Aberdeen and Inverness are vital
  • there should be better connections from Crianlarich to Oban, perhaps through shuttle trains or buses, to improve access to the sleeper service or it should split at this location and go to Oban and Fort William
  • services to Fort William are vital
  • connectivity between Oban and Fort William by car or bus should be improved to allow people from the Oban area to arrive or depart from Fort William
  • the viability of service to Oban should at least be explored, but they should not replace service to Fort William
  • service should run to and from Oban instead of Fort William, or their viability should at least be explored
  • services should alternate between Fort William and Oban

11.29 In addition, there were a number of respondents who thought there were issues with the rail infrastructure which would prevent sleeper services running to Oban and the cost of overcoming them may be prohibitive.

11.30 Whilst organisations mentioned a number of the issues listed above, others responded by providing justification for the continuation of the services.

"Demand for longer distance sleeper routes (e.g. to Fort William, Inverness and Aberdeen) is likely to remain buoyant as daytime trains involve long journeys."
Friends of the West Highland Line

Organisational and individual responses

11.31 The organisations which answered this question were more likely to suggest better connections at Crianlarich than individuals. These better connections could be through connecting trains, shuttle buses or split trains. A higher proportion of organisations also noted that they thought trains could not travel to Oban because of the existing track infrastructure.

11.32 Individuals more frequently stated that Inverness and Fort William are vital destinations for the Sleeper Service.

Geographical analysis

11.33 A geographical analysis of this section of the question was undertaken and again showed a high level of response from the HITRANS region. In terms of key themes 60% of those who noted that current destinations were appropriate, resided within the HITRANS area.

Facilities

11.34 The most frequently cited response was that shower facilities should be included on board the train or that passengers should be entitled to a free shower at their destination. This was closely followed by respondents who said that catering facilities are important.

"The funding for new or upgraded sleeper coaches, recently announced by the Scottish and UK governments, should provide private toilets/showers in some of the sleeper compartments (at premium or 1st class rates), reprogrammable door entry keys, together with reclining seat accommodation for budget travel. Best features from the continental City NightLine sleeper services should be incorporated."
Friends of the West Highland Line

11.35 A high number of respondents cited problems with, or improvements which could be made to, the booking system.

11.36 There were a considerable number of respondents who thought that toilet facilities were important. In relation to both toilets and showers, there were respondents who thought they should be en-suite although many noted this may be impractical and have bearings on capacity.

11.37 Two popular requests were for Wi-Fi and power sockets to be provided.

11.38 Other issues frequently raised were that:

  • the service could be better promoted or marketed (particularly to show that it can compete with air)
  • there should be more couchette style seating
  • having to share a room with a stranger is unpopular

Organisational and individual responses

11.39 The difference between individuals and organisations who gave an opinion on this part of the question was very marginal. Organisations frequently suggested toilets, power sockets, showers and improvements to booking systems as key facilities.

11.40 Individuals were more likely to say that buffet cars, food services and restaurants are important.

"Good quality restaurant eating should be available, especially to serve evening meals and breakfast before arriving at your destination."
Public Response

Equality Issues

11.41 An important equality issue to emerge was the necessity to provide adequate disabled access for all standards of classes. Organisations did note that current accessibility arrangements were adequate, but these should be rolled out to all standards of accommodation should alternate classes become available.

"The Caledonian Sleeper Service is an easier, accessible, and direct mode of transport linking both the Highlands and the Lowlands to London, saving valuable day time, and providing an alternative to air travel…"

"Facilities as well as the services on the train should as ever be accessible to disabled passengers, with staff appropriately (and regularly) trained. If several classes of accommodation were to be instigated, a wheelchair accessible option for each class should be made available, and guide/assistance dogs should remain welcome in all classes."

"The current accessible cabins have many positive points. The cabins can fit one wheelchair, and are located next to the accessible toilets. The cabin itself is as accessible as it can be considering the tight space available. Food and drinks can also be ordered from the attendant while staying in the cabin."
Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS)

Geographical analysis

11.42 A geographical analysis of this section of the question was undertaken and again showed a high level of response from the HITRANS region. More than 50% of respondents who suggested that buffet facilities were important lived within the HITRANS area. Toilet facilities appeared to be important to respondents from the Nestran and tactran areas.