Scotland stands on the brink of something it has not seen for almost three decades and ScotRail is preparing to carry thousands of fans towards a night that could change everything.
The national team faces Denmark at Hampden Park tomorrow evening with the chance to book a place at the World Cup finals for the first time since the nineties.
Saturday’s narrow defeat to Greece in Athens has done nothing to dampen the belief that Steve Clarke and his players can finish the job on home soil.
ScotRail is urging supporters to travel early and enjoy the build up as Glasgow prepares for what many hope will be a celebration long remembered across the country.
Mount Florida station sits only a few minutes from Hampden and will once again act as the main gateway for fans making their way to the national stadium.
Extra services will run before and after the match with longer trains planned to increase capacity for the crowds expected to surge through Glasgow Central from late afternoon.
ScotRail is asking supporters to give themselves time, pace their journey and be ready for queuing systems which will be in place both before kick off and after the final whistle.
Fans returning home are being encouraged to head back to Mount Florida station as soon as the match ends to keep the flow of passengers moving safely.
Return tickets can be bought in advance through the ScotRail app, website, ticket offices or station machines, a step the operator says will help avoid delays and keep spirits high.
Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, said the occasion has the potential to be unforgettable.
He said:
“This match could be a moment in history for Scotland’s men’s football team, the first time in almost 30 years that we’ll have been at the greatest sporting show on earth.”
He said the rail network will be ready to play its part as the Tartan Army begins its march towards Hampden.
“To help supporters get to the match smoothly, we’ll be running extra services and adding more seats to trains to and from Mount Florida station which is just a short walk from the stadium,” he said.
He described the train as the most convenient and sustainable way to reach the ground and urged fans to keep things simple on a night when excitement will already be running high.
“Travelling with ScotRail is a convenient, reliable, and sustainable way to get to the game, and to ensure an effortless experience, we’re encouraging fans to plan their journey, allow a bit of extra time for travel, and buy return tickets in advance,” he said.
He ended with the words that will echo through every carriage tomorrow evening.
“Come on Scotland!”
Glasgow will feel the weight of belief as supporters pour towards the south side, hoping to witness a night that brings the national team back to the world stage.
And with thousands expected to take the rail route, ScotRail says it is ready to help carry the country towards a moment it has waited far too long to see.
