ScotRail managers have finally tackled a ticketing quirk preventing passengers traveling from Leuchars to Glasgow on one ticket.
Previously, passengers had to change at Haymarket or buy two tickets – one taking them to Tayside and another on to Glasgow.
The change could save passengers money and allow quicker journeys west after timetabling changes slowed down some of the connections through Edinburgh.
St Andrews Liberal Democrat candidate and rail campaigner Jane Ann Liston has been working on the issue for many years..
She said: “’I have correspondence going back to 1999.
“It struck me as bizarre that a route which went away from the central belt and, in the case of Leuchars, was actually a significantly shorter distance, was not permitted without paying extra.”
She said the recent reduction in frequency between Edinburgh and Glasgow actually increased the total journey time in some cases.
“I am very glad that after years of campaigning ScotRail has finally seen the light and done the right thing.”
Glasgow ticketing rule a ScotRail mystery
Nobody at ScotRail seemed to know why the company had introduced the Glasgow restriction in the first place, she added
Although the company told the campaigner “years ago” the reasons were “historic”.
They dated back to when direct trains to Glasgow were withdrawn, requiring passengers to travel to Haymarket.
“ScotRail has agreed to an ‘easement’ to make this a permitted route.
“I welcome this because it makes sustainable travel to and from St Andrews easier.”
Good news for Edinburgh passengers too
There is also more good news for Edinburgh commuters leaving from the north east Fife station, she added.
ScotRail managers have agreed that from December this year the 07:08 from Aberdeen will stop at Leuchars around 08:30, before arriving in Edinburgh Waverley at 09:35.
That is an alternative to the slower 07:50 or 08:43 services to the capital.
It was the only Edinburgh-bound service, she explained, that didn’t stop at the Fife station.
Rail bosses had introduced the measure previously on a temporary basis in 2020.
“Until now, the train has whizzed through Leuchars to the chagrin of those waiting to travel to Edinburgh on a slow train.
“Now Leuchars passengers will be able to have a fast service to the capital at this time of day.”
A ScotRail spokesperson said the December 2022 timetable changes are still draft plans and are yet to be fully confirmed.
