Axiom Rail wins refurbishment contract for First ScotRail Sleeper carriages

Axiom Rail, the new trading brand for the supply of rolling stock
services through maintenance, refurbishment, leasing and suspension
systems, has won its first major passenger refurbishment contract to
overhaul Sleeper carriages for First ScotRail.

Axiom Rail will refurbish all of First ScotRail's 75 Anglo-Scottish
Sleeper carriages in a major £1 million franchise commitment by this
rail operator to enhance the overall level of passenger comfort on
these services.

Work on the refurbishment programme has commenced, with all carriages due to have been modernised by March 2007. The refurbishment work includes:

• a refurbishment of the sleeping compartment, including new
  washbasins and worktops
• installation of new carpets and flooring
• refurbishment of the toilets
• installation of floor level lighting
• new seating in the lounge carriage

Axiom Rail will also apply a new livery to the majority of the
carriages, displaying a specially commissioned new design for the
Sleeper services incorporating First ScotRail's corporate identity.

Mary Dickson, Managing Director of First ScotRail, said: "The
Caledonian Sleeper is one of our franchise commitments and over the course of the last 12 months, we have seen the popularity of the
service steadily increase. The extensive refurbishment of the Sleeper carriages by Axiom Rail will allow our passengers to experience an even higher standard of comfort and service. This investment will enhance the Sleeper with modern features, including a contemporary lounge car, transformed with sofas and stylish lighting, to create a relaxing ambience for a peaceful night's sleep."

Paul McKeown, Managing Director of Axiom Rail, said: "Axiom Rail will refurbish each Sleeper carriage with modern and contemporary fittings, such as floor level lighting and sofas, to create a homely on-board experience that will make every traveller seriously consider the Sleeper as an alternative to a hotel room. The first refurbished carriages are expected to be in service by the end of this year, with two carriages being completed at a time between now and spring 2007."


Notes to Editors:

Axiom Rail is a trading brand and name and is part of the EWS group
of companies.

The First ScotRail franchise officially commenced at 0200 on Sunday
17 October 2004.

For further information please contact:

Graham Meiklejohn, Axiom Rail Press Office, on +44 (0)870 140 5795

Lally Wilks, First ScotRail Press & Communications Executive, on +44
(0)141 335 4788