Caledonian Sleeper Rail Franchise.

Descriptions

Transport Scotland is implementing its procurement strategy for the replacement of the existing ScotRail Passenger Franchise. Under this notice Transport Scotland has appointed an appropriately experienced and qualified operator to run overnight rail passenger services between Scotland and London (the “Caledonian Sleeper Service”). The contract will commence in April 2015. The maximum length of the franchise will be 15 years and that there will be a mobilisation period of 9 months prior to the commencement of operations in April 2015. The Caledonian Sleeper Service currently forms part of the existing ScotRail Franchise. From the expiry of the existing ScotRail Franchise, the Caledonian Sleeper Service will be delivered under a separate Franchise Agreement by Serco Caledonian Sleepers Limited. The Caledonian Sleeper Service will involve the operation of overnight rail passenger services in both directions between London Euston and each of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen and Fort William. Services will also be required to call at specified intermediate stations between these terminus points within Scotland.The current rolling stock used to deliver the existing service is in need of replacement or refurbishment involving significant modernisation to meet passenger and ministerial expectations. Transport Scotland will make a capital investment of GBP 60m to facilitate the modernisation of rolling stock. As such Serco Caledonian Sleepers Limited will be required to manage the delivery of new rolling stock to bring the service intoline with passenger and ministerial expectations. This capital investment coupled with the launch of a new brand and a reinvigorated approach to marketing modernise the existing service and lead to an increase in passenger numbers and revenues. Serco Caledonian Sleepers Limited will be expected to maximise the transformation of the Caledonian Sleeper Services through the effective approach and deployment of capital funding, innovative marketing and retailing strategies. Serco Caledonian Sleepers Limited will be required to actively promote social, economic and environmental interests in the delivery of the franchise.