Cycle carriages being introduced on West Highland Line between Glasgow and Mallaig could also be rolled out on Far North Line between Inverness and Caithness and Kyle Line is pilot is success, ScotRail confirms
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EXTRA carriages for bikes and large sporting equipment could be introduced on the Far North and Kyle rail lines if imminent trials elsewhere are a success, ScotRail has confirmed.
The firm issued the confirmation after it announced plans to transform carriages on the West Highland Line so they could carry up to 20 cycles, providing custom designed racks to accommodate bikes, sporting equipment and large items of luggage as well as more seats for customers.
ScotRail said these new carriages would be in addition to existing rolling stock.
The first of the refurbished Class 153 carriages is due for delivery in 2020 and will be gradually rolled into service on the West Highland Line on the completion of staff training.
News of the introduction on the track between Glasgow and Mallaig prompted calls for similar roll-outs on the Far North and Kyle lines.
The North Highland Initiative, the firm behind the creation of the North Coast 500, was one such voice.
Tweeting online, it said: “Excellent news, can you let us know when they will be available on the Inverness, Far North and Kyle lines? [It] would be really helpful for folks who want to cycle parts of the North Coast 500.”
Responding to similar questions from the public, a spokesman for ScotRail said: “We’re trialling them on the West Highland Line initially. If successful, we’ll roll out to the other scenic routes.”
Modified by Brodie Engineering in Kilmarnock, the new West Highland Line carriages will receive a full interior and exterior refresh including installation of free wi-fi at seat power sockets and a refurbished toilet with controlled emission toilet tank.
ScotRail project manager Tom Smith said: “We are continually looking to enhance the experience our customers have when travelling on our trains, and the introduction of these carriages will be a welcome boost for cyclists.”
