ScotRail rules out Highland Explorer-style cycle revamps for Kyle and Far North trains?
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Hopes cycling and luggage capacity could be dramatically increased on stunning railway routes in the north Highlands appear to have been dashed by rail chiefs.
Back in 2021 ScotRail introduced revamped trains on the West Highland Line to provide a large increase in cycle storage and luggage capacity to better accommodate the route’s popularity with tourists and active travellers.
These trains, refurbished Class 153 Super Sprinters that were redubbed Highland Explorers, feature three carriages instead of the usual two, with the additional carriage's interior completely refitted to split it between space for 24 seated passengers and enough storage space for up to 20 cycles, skis and other large items of sporting equipment.
They were immediately welcomed by passengers, both for freeing up capacity for cyclists, while also increasing seating space beyond that available on existing two-carriage versions.
Existing trains only had very limited space for bikes - usually just two berths.
At the time, hopes were raised that similar roll-outs might one day follow suit on the Kyle of Lochalsh and Far North lines - with both routes proving very popular with cyclists and sightseers, and some services experiencing passenger overcrowding at the height of the cruise ship season.
However, while ScotRail has begun to ramp up cycle storage at Highland stations, it appears to have poured water over hopes that the region’s Class 158 rolling stock might follow its West Highland Line’s Class 153 counterparts in getting a similar three-carriage revamp.
Approached for an update, the rail operator said it has “no plan to introduce [revamped] Class 153 carriages” on the northern routes.
It did however confirm a host of wider enhancements at stations in the region, with eagle-eyed passengers likely having already spotted some sites - like Conon Bridge - where bike shelter storage has been increased.
The bike shelter storage area in Inverness Railway Station was also increased earlier this month.
And the rail operator added that it is “currently undertaking” work to make sure the region’s existing Class 158 trains “will meet the needs of existing and future customers”.
It added that cycle storage space at the station in Inverness is being trebled, with additional room for a further 100 bikes and bringing the site’s total number of spaces to 150.
ScotRail also flagged up the installation of a cycle repair/maintenance stand at the station.
David Lister, ScotRail safety and sustainability director, said: “We know how important cycle parking is to our customers in the Highlands, which is why we’re currently working on increasing cycle storage to accommodate almost 150 bikes at Inverness station.
“Cycling is an increasingly popular way to connect with ScotRail services, sharing our commitment to low carbon, environmentally friendly ways to travel.”
