ScotRail has announced reductions in certain train services and issued a warning in anticipation of a weekend filled with sporting events.
The final stages of the Open Championship in Troon will occur on Saturday and Sunday, while Rangers will face Manchester United at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on Saturday.
ScotRail has cited an ongoing ASLEF pay dispute and a temporary timetable due to driver shortages as reasons for the altered services on their network.
This warning comes after weeks of disruption on Scotland’s railways, with services expected to be “busier than usual.”
ScotRail reported that 50,000 Open spectators traveled on Wednesday and Thursday, and nearly 58,000 fans are expected to attend the Rangers match at Murrayfield at 4 PM on Saturday.
Customers not attending the football match are advised to consider traveling during less busy times.
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail’s service delivery director, stated, “With a temporary timetable in place and two major sporting events this weekend, it’s crucial to inform our customers about what to expect and encourage them to plan their trips in advance.
“There will be additional services for The Open Championship in Troon, and we expect Edinburgh services to be busier than usual before and after the football match at Murrayfield.
“Customers should allow extra time for their travels and check our mobile app the day before their journey.
“We apologize for any inconvenience caused by these service changes.
“We understand how frustrating this can be and appreciate their patience.”
Complete List of ScotRail Timetable Changes
On Saturday, July 20, customers should be aware of the following service changes:
- The Glasgow to Alloa service will be reduced from every half hour to every hour. Trains will leave Alloa at 45 minutes past the hour and Glasgow at 49 minutes past the hour.
- Most services between Edinburgh and North Berwick will be canceled, with bus replacements running for most of the day. The trains that will run from North Berwick to Edinburgh are at 6:39am, 7:16am, 7:53am, and 8:33am. The Edinburgh to North Berwick trains will run at 9:40pm and 11:14pm.
- The Glasgow to Newton service will be reduced to hourly, with trains departing Glasgow at 45 minutes past the hour and Newton at 19 minutes past the hour.
On Sunday, July 21, the service changes are:
- The Edinburgh to Tweedbank service will operate every three hours instead of hourly. Departures from Tweedbank to Edinburgh are at 9:47am, 12:48pm, 3:47pm, and 6:48pm, while Edinburgh to Tweedbank trains are at 11:13am, 2:11pm, 5:12pm, 8:11pm, and 10:10pm.
- The Edinburgh to North Berwick service will run every two hours instead of hourly. The first train from Edinburgh is at 9:37am, and the first from North Berwick is at 10:24am.
- The Edinburgh to Dunblane service will have two trains every three hours, instead of hourly. The first train from Edinburgh is at 9:35am, and the first from Dunblane is at 9:45am.
- The Glasgow to Cumbernauld service will be canceled with no bus replacement available.
- The Glasgow to Lanark service will run every two hours instead of hourly. The first train from Glasgow Central is at 10:20am, and the first from Lanark is at 11:21am.
- A replacement bus will serve Wemyss Bay to Whinhill for connections on the Gourock to Glasgow service.