Fort William 2040 (FW2040) projects - Bike Carriage by Rail - local use of rail coaches that can accommodate bikes

Project complete - ScotRail ran the first of its Highland Explorer carriages, with 20 cycle spaces (a UK first), on the Mallaig branch of the West Highland Line on the 19 April 2023. The class 153 carriages operate on two services each day - the early morning service from Mallaig to Glasgow Queen Street and the evening Glasgow Queen Street to Mallaig. Northbound services run Mon-Fri while south bound run Tue-Sat.

The carriages mean customers benefit from 15% more seats, more luggage space and access to an additional toilet on board. The carriages also feature table maps detailing the route, with recommendations on where to walk, cycle and visit. Scotrail have also removed the additional charge for its Highland Explorer ticket. Customers can now purchase a Highland Explorer ticket for the price of a standard class fare. For the UCI Cycling Championships there were an additional three return trips put on using class 153 carriages.

FW 2040 Project Manager

To seek an annual update as to uptake of this provision.

On board the Highland Explorer – Bus and Train User