Sleeper Trains Are My Workplace: Discover What Makes Them Truly Special

Lizzie Dean has been covering distances of up to 1,518 miles each week for nearly thirty years now. This dedicated individual, who is 53 years old and hails from Penzance Has fulfilled a railway enthusiast's fantasy since 1997 by serving as the head of onboard customer service for Great Western Railway. Night Riviera .

One of only two remaining sleeper trains in the UK (the other operates as the Caledonian Sleeper to Scotland ), the Cornish service operating from Paddington to Penzance commenced in 1983 when it was referred to as the Penzance Sleeper . The Night Riviera frequently reaches full capacity during the summer, with advance bookings being essential for the Caledonian Sleeper are increasing annually.

The Continental The resurgence of sleeper trains has increased the appeal of Britain's night travel options. Trains like these have seen a rise in interest. European Sleeper , NightJet and SJ EuroNight All have introduced new routes over the last several years. The allure of train travel stems from its romantic quality, more relaxed tempo, and lower environmental impact when contrasted with flying.

These services typically have staff who are passionate about railways. The Dutch-Belgian startup called European Sleeper began operations with its inaugural journey in May 2023 and employs numerous retired railway workers as attendants alongside students aboard their routes. According to Elmer van Buuren, one of the founders, serving as a sleeper car attendant during breaks from his studies reinforced his conviction that Europe requires an increased number of overnight train options.

For Dean, though, attending to passengers is both a career and a calling. In her position, she guides guests to their seating or sleeping areas and ensures they feel at ease and properly nourished come morning. The sleeper ticket price covers a breakfast consisting of tea or coffee along with warm rolls or cereal.

She makes the trip of 253 miles from Penzance to London two or three times a week, staying for a full day and night each visit. capital And then returns the next evening.

Dean found her job after studying ceramics in the 90s. Following her studies, she regularly travelled from Cornwall to London by train to sell her ceramics to shops. “I decided, if I could get a job on the trains, I’d be able to get back and forth for free.”

As luck would have it, she came across a posting for a chief steward on the night train at her local job centre and immediately applied.

The summer before she got the job, she had worked at Camp America as a counsellor and then travelled around the US by Greyhound bus.

“I told the interviewers that it really made a difference if the bus driver was friendly and chatty.

I managed to stand out among the 365 individuals who applied — my father, whose passion lies with trains, became emotional when I informed him about it; his pride was evident.

When she first started at the company, the trains had an interior design featuring orange and brown striped patterns. Smoking was permitted for passengers onboard back then.

Night Riveria Trains currently boast a more streamlined appearance. They feature a combined lounge and buffet car equipped with forest green and taupe leatherette seating, along with options for both single and twin accommodations. sleeper cabins These include basins and plug sockets. Travelers may choose between these features or go for a standard seating option.

Although the trains have received updates, Dean’s responsibilities remain largely unchanged. "The shifts can be lengthy, but I love interacting with customers and encountering new individuals," she remarks.

Even after nearly thirty years since its creation, Night Riveria , Dean isn't the longest-serving staff member – one of her coworkers has accumulated 33 years of service.

“It’s a career for life,” Dean states. Handling the sleeper “is an honor”.