Capital’s sports day puts strain on trains

Published on 16/11/2012 02:30

ScotRail is to run “every available carriage” to cope with a mass influx of fans for one of ­Edinburgh’s busiest-ever ­sporting days on Saturday.

Scotland’s main train operator said it would use nearly 130 extra coaches for the Scotland v South Africa clash at Murrayfield and the Hearts v St Mirren match at Tynecastle, with the events expected to attract a combined attendance of more than 80,000 spectators.

The extra carriages – offering up to an additional 9,000 seats – will be added to nearly 100 trains that are heading to or from Haymarket station.

ScotRail warned passengers of queues, particularly immediately after the games.

A spokesman said: “Those travelling can play their part.

“They can buy tickets in advance and they can stagger journeys, as arrivals in large groups will inevitably mean queuing and the prospect of having to stand rather than sitting.”