Lizzie Dean has been traveling up to 1,518 miles each week for nearly thirty years now. This 53-year-old woman hails from
Penzance
Has fulfilled a railway enthusiast’s fantasy since 1997 by serving as the chief of onboard customer service for Great Western Railway.
Night Riviera
.
One of only two remaining sleeper trains in the UK (the other being 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 season, leading to the necessity of making reservations well ahead of time for the
Caledonian Sleeper
are increasing annually.
The
Continental
The resurgence of sleeper trains has enhanced the appeal of Britain’s services. Overnight journeys like
European Sleeper
,
NightJet
and
SJ EuroNight
All have introduced new routes over the last several years. The allure of trains stems from their romantic charm, more leisurely pace, and lower environmental impact when contrasted with flying.
These services frequently employ individuals passionate about railways. The Dutch-Belgian startup called European Sleeper commenced operations with their initial route in May 2023, hiring numerous retired railway employees as attendants alongside students for these routes. According to Elmer van Buuren, one of the company’s cofounders, serving as a sleeping car attendant during breaks from his education reinforced his conviction that Europe requires an increased number of overnight train options.
For Dean, though, attending to passengers is both a professional duty and an enthusiastic pursuit. In her capacity, she guides travelers to their seats or berths and ensures they feel at ease and properly nourished throughout the day. The cost for sleeping accommodations includes a morning meal consisting of tea or coffee along with warm rolls or cereal.
She makes the journey of 253 miles from Penzance to London two or three times a week, staying for a full day and night each time.
capital
And then returns again the next evening.
After studying ceramics in the ’90s, Dean landed a job. Post-graduation, she frequently journeyed by rail from Cornwall to London to peddle her ceramic creations to various stores. She recalled thinking, “If only I can secure a position working on these trains, I’ll travel between here and there without having to spend anything.”
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.
Before landing her new position, she spent the previous summer working as a counselor at Camp America and subsequently explored various places across the country.
State
by Greyhound bus.
I shared with the interviewers that having a bus driver who was friendly and talkative genuinely mattered.
I managed to outshine 365 others who also applied—my father, who has a passion for trains, got emotional when I informed him, so proud was he.
When she became part of the company, the trains appeared significantly different, adorned with orange and brown striped patterns. Smoking was permitted for passengers aboard these trains back then.
Night Riveria
Trains currently feature a more streamlined appearance. Included is a combined lounge and buffet car equipped with forest green and taupe leatherette seating, along with options for both single and double accommodations.
sleeper cabins
These include basins and plug sockets. Travelers may choose between these features and a standard seating option.
Even though the trains have received updates, Dean’s responsibilities remain largely unchanged. “The shifts are lengthy, yet I love interacting with customers and encountering new individuals,” she explains.
Even after nearly thirty years since its inception,
Night Riveria
, Dean is not the longest-serving staff member – one of her coworkers has accumulated 33 years of service.
“It’s a lifelong career,” Dean states. Having the opportunity to work on the Sleeper “is an honor”.
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