UK: ScotRail has increased its capacity for carrying bicycles on the West Highland line with the introduction of Highland Explorer DMUs on services to and from Mallaig.
Leased from Angel Trains, the modified Class 153 single-car DMUs operate in multiple with the regular two-car Class 156s, providing capacity for 20 cycles as well as cushioned seats, USB and plug charging points. The vehicles also feature table maps detailing the route, with recommendations on places to visit, cycle and walk.
Highland Explorer cars have been operating on selected services between Glasgow Queen Street and Oban since mid-2021. However, train length constraints meant that a further vehicle could not be added to the Mallaig portion of trains which split and join at Crianlarich.
With effect from April 19, ScotRail has introduced a Highland Explorer car on the early morning train from Mallaig to Glasgow Queen Street via Fort William and the evening return service from Glasgow Queen Street to Mallaig. The northbound unit will run on Monday to Friday, and the southbound working on Tuesday to Saturday. These trains previously ran as four-car formations, while the maximum train length that an be accommodated on the Mallaig route is six cars, allowing the extra vehicle to be added.
In addition to the extra capacity for bicycles, the additional vehicle provides a 15% increase in seating across the train, along with more luggage space and an additional toilet.
At the beginning of April, ScotRail removed the £10 supplement for the Highland Explorer vehicles, meaning that any passengers using the services on the Oban and Mallaig lines can use the active travel carriage for the usual standard class fare. The operator explained that this would allow customers to sit closer to their bicycle or large items of luggage.
