ScotRail will provide additional late-night services and thousands more seats for those attending the city’s summer festivals over the coming weeks.
The enhanced timetable will run from Friday, 7 August, coinciding with the launch of both the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Edinburgh International Festival.
Extra late-night trains will operate on key routes departing from Edinburgh Waverley until Sunday, 30 August, with longer trains introduced to provide more seating for the millions of visitors expected in the capital.
Additional services will also be provided for Fringe by the Sea in North Berwick, operating from 31 July until 9 August.
To manage the surge in passenger numbers, the rail operator has outlined several key capacity upgrades:
Passengers have been warned that stations and trains are expected to be particularly busy following evening performances. Queuing systems may be introduced at major stations to manage the crowds safely.
ScotRail has also advised passengers to plan alternative routes due to the ongoing partial closure of Princes Street following a recent building fire.
Customers who typically travel to Edinburgh Waverley before continuing by foot or tram to venues outside the city centre are encouraged to consider whether alighting at Haymarket station would be more convenient.
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “The Edinburgh festivals are among the highlights of Scotland’s cultural calendar, attracting visitors from across the world, and we’re ready to help customers make the most of everything the capital has to offer.
“We’re providing extra late-night services and longer trains on key routes, making it easier for people to travel home after evening performances and providing thousands of additional seats throughout the festival period.
“We’re reminding customers to check their journey before travelling, buy their ticket before boarding, and allow some extra time, as stations and trains will be much busier than normal.”
Related