Rail Charter Services has announced that they have suspended their 2022 services on the Settle and Carlisle Line.
Rail Charter Services first began in 2020 using Mk3 coaching stock and LSL locomotives (37s, 20s and 47s – with a special weekend using a Class 40) between Skipton and Appleby.
For 2021, RCS unveiled a new-look mini HST in a special RCS livery, and this time extended the train service to Carlisle
However, with uncertain economic conditions and rising costs have meant that they cannot run the train this year.
It is hoped that for 2023, the train can return to one of the most scenic railway journeys in Britain
A Rail Charter Services spokesperson said “Unfortunately we're suspending our 2022 services. Current economic conditions have created the perfect storm of ever rising costs & constrained demand as people tighten their belts during this unprecedented time of uncertainty. We look forward to seeing you aboard in 2023!”
The scenery is spectacular…but riding a diesel train is hardly novel….Of course many people can sadly no longer afford these trips….because of the seeming continuous mismanagement of the country and the corruption in the world generally…accompanied by a wide spread ignorance as to how we are being manipulated.
However there are those who will still make sacrifices in order to travel behind a steam locomotive…it would seem that this enthusiasm continues despite all the negativity.
Not surprising seeing that they would not allow them to advertise it last year.
I just wonder why they think things will be better in 2023. The way I see it every aspect of our lives now needs looking at very closely. We cannot just carry on like nothing has happened.
This cancellation seems a little odd because the (admittedly steam hauled) Northern Belle excursions over the Settle-Carlisle line have so far this year been sold out, despite the economic situation. And fares on the Northern Belle are more expensive because of their full dining service. It seems that people who are still hesistant about flying abroad are still more than willing to splash out on a high quality railway excursion.
I wonder what information Rail Charter Services received that convinced them they wouldn’t sell enough tickets this year to make the service worthwhile?