ScotRail has refused to add more carriages on the Dundee line for this weekend’s Scotland rugby match despite last weekend’s ‘nightmare’ journey home from Murrayfield.
More than 67,000 rugby fans watched Scotland play New Zealand on Saturday evening in Edinburgh.
The Tele reported that hundreds struggled to get back to Dundee and stops along the line with some not reaching home until 3am – eight hours after the match ended.
One man paid £220 for a 110-mile taxi run home.
This Saturday, Scotland face Australia in their final Autumn Test and there is also expected to be more folk heading to the Scottish capital to get Christmas presents.
Demand for railway journeys is expected to be even greater than last weekend, leading to fears that the trains will be unable to cope.
ScotRail has vowed to add “extra carriages to as many trains as possible to services to keep customers moving” – but none of these are on the Dundee line.
A company statement said: “On Saturday, trains to and from Edinburgh will be extremely busy with customers enjoying the Christmas markets and fans watching the rugby.
“The ScotRail Alliance has added extra carriages to trains between Edinburgh and the Borders, Fife, Glasgow, Perth, Stirling and Dunblane.
“Supporters heading to the match are advised to allow additional time for travel, as queuing systems will be in place after the final whistle.”
The Tele understands that because the kick-off is at 2.30pm, no additional carriages are necessary on the Dundee line.
ScotRail believes that there will be more opportunities to folk to get home, meaning the services won’t be as congested.
ScotRail is also adding extra carriages on trains to Hmapden Park for Sunday’s Betfred Cup final between Motherwell and Celtic.
Extra staff will be on hand to assist customers and, as with most large events, alcohol bans will be in force on both days.
ScotRail Alliance head of customer experience, Graham Heald said: “We’ve got a massive weekend of sport coming up. Scotland will be looking to sign off the Autumn Tests on Saturday with a win, while the first silverware of the football season is decided at Hampden on Sunday.
“While trains will be extremely busy on both days, we’ve done everything we can to boost the number of available seats for travelling fans and regular customers. We’re adding as many trains as possible to services this weekend to keep people moving.
“From next year, fans travelling to the games will benefit from more seats and faster journeys on our brand new electric Class 385 and high-speed trains.
“I encourage anyone travelling this weekend to allow extra time for travel, and to minimise the need to queue, buy tickets in advance via our app or website.”
Local rail passengers suffer ‘nightmare’ train journey home from Murrayfield
