ScotRail is adding extra services and more seats to help fans travel to a packed weekend of football and racing across Scotland.
Supporters heading to the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup semi finals at Hampden Park and racegoers travelling to Ayr Racecourse are expected to benefit from increased capacity across key routes.
The first semi final sees Dunfermline Athletic take on Falkirk, followed by Celtic against St Mirren in the second match.
Additional trains and extended carriages will run between Glasgow Central Station and Mount Florida Station to support the surge in passengers travelling to and from Hampden.
Passengers are being urged to travel early and plan ahead, with temporary access restrictions still in place at Glasgow Central following a recent fire.
The Gordon Street and Union Street entrances remain closed, with customers advised to use the Carriage Drive entrance off Hope Street for Hampden services.
Alternative access points include the low level entrance on Argyle Street and the high level entrance on Hope Street for other journeys.
ScotRail says additional staff will be on hand throughout the weekend to manage queues and assist passengers.
For those heading to the Scottish Grand National Festival, extra seats will be available on services between Glasgow Central and Ayr for both Ladies Day and race day itself.
Customers are also being encouraged to buy return tickets in advance through the ScotRail app to reduce queuing and keep journeys moving smoothly.
Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, said:
“ScotRail is looking forward to helping sports fans travel to Hampden and Ayr Racecourse this weekend.
“We’ll be doing all we can to help you get to the events as hassle free as possible, which includes more seats and services.
“Queuing systems will be in place before and after the matches and the racing, so please make sure you know where to go, and our staff will also be on hand to direct you.
“Buying your return tickets in advance as mTickets on the ScotRail app will reduce your need to queue and help your journey run smoothly.”
With thousands expected to travel, the message is simple, plan ahead, leave early and expect a busy but well managed weekend on Scotland’s railways.
