Extra trains amid cup-tie chaos
ALASTAIR DALTON TRANSPORT CORRESPONDENT

FIRST ScotRail plans to run four special trains to take Hibs and Hearts fans to the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden next month in an attempt to ease the threatened transport chaos.

Two trains for each set of supporters would run to and from separate stations in each city, to keep them apart.

The plan will enable nearly 3,000 fans to arrive in time for the 12:15pm kick-off on Sunday, 2 April, compared with just 1,000 if only the two scheduled Glasgow-bound trains had run.

The news was welcomed by supporters' groups, though some fans say it might not be enough. The move follows an angry response by rail unions to the Scottish Football Association's refusal to allow the game to be transferred to Murrayfield in Edinburgh. Unions say this will threaten the safety of staff and passengers.

However, fans' groups called for more trains because of the expected road congestion when about 50,000 supporters travel from Edinburgh for the cup tie.

The extra trains - which depend on crews being available - are being planned despite engineering work on parts of all three lines between Edinburgh and Glasgow. First ScotRail hopes some work can be lifted so further services can operate.

Two trains for Hibs fans would run from Newcraighall, in south-east Edinburgh, direct to King's Park in Glasgow, near Hampden, or Glasgow Central.

Hearts fans would have two trains from Slateford, in south-west Edinburgh, direct to Mount Florida, near Hampden, or Glasgow Queen Street. In each case, it is likely the trains would run to the main Glasgow stations rather than those near the national stadium.

Fans would probably have to pre-book tickets for the trains, which would return to Edinburgh after the game. These may be issued with match tickets.

First ScotRail said no final decisions had been taken, but it was considering all options. A spokesman said: "We are trying our best, but numbers will be limited."

However, he warned other travellers to avoid the normal 8am and 9am trains from Edinburgh to Glasgow, which are expected to be busy with fans. They are the only scheduled trains between the two cities which will arrive in time for fans to transfer to local trains in Glasgow.

Taken from the Scotsman