ScotRail has confirmed it is adding extra carriages to key trains to help Aberdeen fans get to the Aberdeen V Celtic Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park on 21 May.

Extra carriages will be added on what are predicted to be eight of the busiest services between Aberdeen and Glasgow. To avoid disappointment, the ScotRail Alliance is advising customers to book ahead and reserve seats for their journeys now, as queueing systems will be in operation and only fans with train reservations will be guaranteed boarding.

Those wishing to avoid the crowds may want to travel on the 0526 and 0634 departures from Aberdeen, although these are also expected to be much busier than usual.

As with all special event trains, alcohol bans will be in place and extra staff will be at key locations across the network to assist.

A ScotRail Alliance spokesperson said: “We’re doing everything we can to make sure the Dons are well represented at Hampden. Please be on the ball and get to the station early, as trains will be extremely busy.

“To help things go smoothly, please plan ahead and follow instructions from staff.”

A spokesperson for Aberdeen Football Club said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership again with ScotRail in ensuring that as many of the Red Army as possible have a choice of transport mode that can get them to and from Hampden on the 27th May to enhance what is always a special day out for all the family and one that we have not been in a position to enjoy for 17 years.”

ScotRail have released the latest edition of their Business Travel Newsletter.

In it, ScotRail outlines an outstanding result in the month of March, their plans to create 100 new electric car charging spaces, details of a new charity partner and more.

To see the Business Travel Newsletter, click here.

The ScotRail Alliance is advising rugby fans heading by train to Murrayfield for the European Rugby Champions Cup Final on 13 May to plan their journey in advance.

To help ensure everyone gets to the game on time, passengers should allow extra time for travel – as well as purchasing tickets in advance. ScotRail will be adding carriages to services all day between Edinburgh and Glasgow Queen Street, and on key services to Tweedbank, Glenrothes, Helensburgh and Milngavie.

Customers should be aware queuing systems will be in place at Haymarket station after the match, and that the last trains of the night are expected to be busy. Where possible, fans should plan to catch an earlier train to avoid disappointment.

A ScotRail Alliance spokesperson said: “It’s going to be a big weekend of rugby in the capital.
“We’ll be using every train at our disposal to add extra carriages to services towards Edinburgh, however, trains are expected to be very busy.

“Make sure to check your train times on our website or app and leave plenty of time for travel. Buying tickets in advance will also help reduce your queuing time.”

ScotRail will have extra staff on the ground to assist fans, and as with most large events alcohol bans will be in place.

People from Fife will now be able to stay on the move during periods of severe rail disruption, thanks to a new ticket acceptance arrangement between ScotRail and Stagecoach East Scotland.

From Monday 16 January, ScotRail customers affected by any major disruption as a result of severe weather, emergency repairs or signalling issues, will be able to complete their journey using Stagecoach East Scotland bus services.

Customers holding a valid train ticket simply show this to the driver on boarding to be able to travel free of charge.

This scheme will be activated during periods of severe disruption, and customers will be alerted by ScotRail’s station and on-train staff, via Twitter and online. The arrangement does not cover travel between Edinburgh and Inverkeithing. A list of bus routes calling and pick up points is listed below.

A similar ticket acceptance is already up and running with Stagecoach in the North of Scotland, in Glasgow with First Bus, in Edinburgh with Edinburgh Trams and in Midlothian with Lothian Buses. It has been very successful in transporting passengers when rail services are not running as they should.

Jacqueline Taggart, ScotRail Alliance Customer Experience Director said: “This scheme will be a real benefit for our customers in Fife.

“During periods of major disruption, our main priority is to keep customers on the move, and this partnership with Stagecoach will help us do just that.”

Speaking about the new scheme, David Frenz, Operations Director at Stagecoach East Scotland said: We’re committed to providing quality public transport services to the communities we serve.  We’re delighted to be able to assist rail passengers during periods of disruption as this partnership is putting the customer at the heart of our operations.”