ScotRail Press Releases
GOOD NEWS FOR SUNDAY WINTER TRAVELLERS
ScotRail is to run as a commercial venture throughout the 2001/2 winter a first-ever year-round Sunday train each way between Wick, Thurso and Inverness on a trial use-it-or-lose-it basis.
Likely timings would maximise journey opportunities for people taking the train in either direction to return from a weekend away. Connections would be available at Inverness from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen to the North - and from the North to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Edinburgh and the Caledonian Sleeper service to London.
The new service will call at the usual intermediate stations plus the reopened Beauly Station.
ScotRail Managing Director, Alastair McPherson says "We are delighted to be able to respond from many requests by the Friends of the Far North Line and other community representatives by introducing at our own risk this winter Sunday service for the Far North."
GOOD NEWS FOR CYCLISTS
To address the problems of cycle demand on the Far North Line ScotRail will again be operating a Cycle Van road vehicle. The van will run at the same time as the 1125 train departure ex Inverness and the 1618 train departure ex Wick.
The van will operate during the summer timetable on Mondays to Saturdays inclusive. Bookings for the 10 cycle spaces is compulsory and there will be pick-up and drop-off point at Ardgay.
GOOD NEWS FOR OVER-55s
For the months of May and June one and half million people in Scotland aged 55 and over will be able to travel anywhere in Scotland for £12. For an extra £4 the new Club 55 Premier ticket offers First Class comfort. The only 'catch' is that all Club 55 tickets have to be purchased no later than 18.00 on the day before outward travel. With seats subject to availability, early booking is recommended.
GOOD NEWS FOR SLEEPERS
The full Caledonian Sleeper service is now back in action. "This is great news," says ScotRail Managing Director Alastair McPherson. "Our Sleeper business has been devastated by the post-Hatfield traumas and we have a mountain to climb to win passengers back to the 'Sleeper habit'. We are not yet running at pre-Hatfield timings but the Sleepers are back to stay."