ScotRail to add extra carriages for Scotland’s final home match in Six Nations, as commuters complain of “disgraceful” lack of space on other journeys 

SCOTRAIL has said that it will be adding extra carriages and services for the Six Nations match this weekend, despite locals complaining of a lack of space on commuter journeys. 

The operator has said that extra carriages will be added to trains on routes in and out of Edinburgh, as Scotland hosts Wales at Scottish Gas Murrayfield this Saturday. 

Fans have been advised to expect longer waiting times at nearby Haymarket due to the demolition of adjacent Rosebery House, which has reduced capacity in the station by half. 

This week, multiple complaints to ScotRail have been made by commuters appalled at services offering only two or three carriages at peak times – which has been attributed to train faults. 

Many measures have been put in place due to the Six Nations rugby this season, such as road closures and boosted service frequency for Edinburgh Trams. 

To cope with huge crowds of fans ready to fill the 67,000-capacity stadium, ScotRail is adding more seats and services to certain routes on match day. 

This is amid multiple complaints this week, reporting people “crammed together” on “overcrowded trains” with only two or three carriages running on peak services. 

One user said today: “Usual ScotRail service on the Fife line. Disgraceful. Two carriages every day I’ve been on it. Shouldn’t be run with less than four carriages.” 

Whilst another complained yesterday: “I’m on the 8:08 from Williamwood. [It] Was standing room only when I got on and now it’s crammed together. 

“People struggling to get off never mind on.  

“Yesterday this service and the 8:18 were three carriages. Overcrowded is an understatement.” 

And another told ScotRail yesterday: “Currently on the 16:35 train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen.  

“Overcrowded, standing room only, squashed in. And charging £70 for this level of service is criminal.” 

One more said: “Why is the 8:22 from Dalmeny to Edinburgh only a two carriage train? 

“Not one person could get on the train and the next one isn’t for 20 minutes – how is this acceptable?” 

Some have gone as far as to compare the situation to “cattle class train service”. 

Amid countless complaints, ScotRail has said that some carriage shortages were due to train faults, whilst others are consistently busy services but would not operate if conditions were unsafe. 

They also state that there will be extra staff present for Saturday’s match, and remind customers that the carrying and consumption of alcohol is prohibited on ScotRail trains and in stations. 

Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, said: “We’re excited to play our part in making Scotland’s final home game of this year’s Six Nations a success.? 

“If you’re heading to Murrayfield to cheer on your side when Scotland play Wales, please plan ahead as services are expected to be busy.  

“We’d also encourage you to buy your return tickets in advance on the ScotRail app. 

“To help you travel to and from the game, we’ll be adding extra carriages to trains throughout the day, where possible.”? 

ScotRail has been contacted regarding the lack of carriages on peak time trains this week.