Rolling stock

Night Riviera Sleeper officially re-launched

First Great Western has officially re-launched its Night Riviera Sleeper service, which runs between Penzance and London Paddington following the completion of a £2 million investment.

Upgrading 18 carriages in total, this investment will provide an improved environment on board for both passengers and staff where new colour schemes and lighting has been introduced to create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Toilets have been upgraded and fixtures and fittings, such as carpets, taps, blinds and coat hangers have also been replaced. New bed linen, towels and toiletry packs have been provided.

The seated coaches on the train have also been comprehensively refreshed with reclining seats and gentle lighting throughout. Branded the Night Riviera Sleeper the exterior has also been re-painted to reflect the new corporate branding now introduced across all of First Great Western’s rolling stock.

The interior design is the work of Michael Rodber, who has worked for Porsche and Eurostar and is responsible for First Great Western’s new look fleet of High Speed Trains (HSTs) and the West Country Regional Fleet.

First Great Western has worked closely with regular sleeper customers and staff to discuss what changes passengers would like to see.

First Great Western’s Chairman Charles Howeson, said: “We are fully committed to the Night Riviera Sleeper and this work forms part of the £200 million investment that First Great Western is making to the Greater Western franchise.

“We know that for many people this service is essentially a lifeline, and we have made a number of changes suggested by our regular Sleeper customers. Overall people are very positive about the service and I’m pleased that we have been able to involve them and improve the on-board facilities for the better.

“We recognise the convenience of being able to make an overnight journey to those who live in and visit the far South West, with the valuable time saving that is achieved. Our aim now is to grow the business on the service and, as a first step to achieve this we have been able to secure an additional carriage which will enable us to attract more customers.”

The new look Sleeper will be unveiled over lunch by First Great Western’s Chairman, Charles Howeson and HM Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall Lady Mary Holborow on platform 4, Penzance station at 13.30 where invited guests will be given the opportunity to go onboard the Night Riviera Sleeper.

This project is a key part of FirstGroup plc’s commitment to the Greater Western franchise, which it took over the running of in April 2006, to make significant investments in customer services, fleet developments, performance enhancements and safety initiatives, as well as providing new opportunities for transport integration

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