New Zealand Railways at the time also ran another overnight train service, (the "Night Express") which stopped at more than twice the number of stations than the "Silver Star" did, which had much older rolling stock, and which had no onboard buffet service. It did have cheaper fares and three classes of accommodation. By refurbishing this train in 1975, to become the "Northerner", many rail passengers had the option to pay around 33% less for a large reclining seat or 15% less for a 2-berth sleeper cabin without shower or toilet, than pay for a "Silver Star" cabin.