Jacobite Afternoon Trips Suspended Amid Safety Dispute

Travelers planning to ride the famous Jacobite Steam Train in the Scottish Highlands this spring will need to adjust their schedules. West Coast Railways has announced the cancellation of all afternoon trips from May 6 to June 13, 2024, due to a regulatory dispute. The morning journeys, departing from Fort William at 10:15 am, remain unaffected and will run as scheduled.

Affected passengers will be notified directly via email and SMS, with full refunds processed within the next ten working days. Refunds will be issued using the original payment method, and those who paid with credit vouchers will receive replacements valid until May 31, 2025.

The suspension arises from a disagreement with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) over the requirement for central door locking (CDL) on heritage carriages. The ORR mandates that all Mark 1 and Mark 2 carriages, including those used on the Jacobite service, must be fitted with CDL to ensure passenger safety. Although West Coast Railways has operated under exemptions from this requirement for nearly 30 years, the recent court ruling highlighted inconsistencies in how these exemptions are applied across different operators.

West Coast Railways maintains that their current safety measures, which include two door locks per door and a steward in each carriage, offer a level of safety equivalent to CDL. They are actively working with the ORR to resolve the issue and resume normal operations. The suspension impacts not only the company but also over 100,000 passengers and numerous local businesses that depend on tourism.

Travel enthusiasts hoping to experience the scenic journey through the Highlands aboard the Jacobite Steam Train should stay updated on further announcements. West Coast Railways remains committed to ensuring passenger safety while preserving the heritage charm of the iconic train service.