ScotRail have vowed to ensure train travellers enjoy this week's Open Championships at Royal Troon, putting on extra services despite a driver shortage.
A temporary timetable was introduced last week as the company grapples with a lack of available drivers due to a pay dispute with trade unions.
Union members have opted not to work overtime or on rest days, as is their contractual right, until the dispute is resolved.
However, the train operator says it's still planning provide extra services to Troon during busy times on Championship days (Thursday, July 18 to Sunday, July 21.
Additional capacity will be also available on existing services on practice days before the serious action gets under way.
ScotRail says its temporary timetable will provide greater certainty and reliability for customers, instead of short-notice cancellations.
The train operators had to introduce a reduce timetable last week due to an ongoing dispute with drivers' union ASLEF over pay.
The union has recommended a ballot for industrial action and in the meantime, fewer train drivers than normal are making themselves available for overtime or rest day working.
ScotRail said they were operating services which the vast majority of customers use, though reduced timetables are operating in Ayrshire.
At peak times during the Open, up to seven trains per hour are scheduled to run between Glasgow Central and Troon, with extra services added to the regular timetabled journeys between Glasgow and Ayr.
To connect spectators from Troon station to the venue, ScotRail has teamed up with Stagecoach to offer a two-in-one Golflink ticket, which includes both return rail travel to Troon station, as well as a regular shuttle bus linking customers to and from the Championship.
Queuing systems will be in place and extra ScotRail staff will be on hand at Troon and Glasgow Central station to help, and customers are reminded that the carrying and consumption of alcohol is prohibited on all ScotRail services.
More information can be found on ScotRail's dedicated webpage: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/scotland-by-rail/things-do/open-golf
Phil Campbell, ScotRail's customer operations director, said: “We will be doing everything we can to support fans attending the return of The Open at Royal Troon.
“While a temporary timetable is operating, we have been able to add extra services at busy times both before and after each Championship day.
“Our all-inclusive Golflink ticket is a great way to combine train travel form anywhere on our network to Troon station, with a frequent bus link to the event course included, saving time and helping your journey run smoothly.
“Purchasing your tickets in advance means less queuing and more viewing at The Open at Royal Troon, and tickets can be purchased via the ScotRail app, website, ticket offices or on board.”
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, executive director for championships at the R&A, said: “Tens of thousands of fans will be travelling to The Open at Royal Troon each day and so we are encouraging them to use public transport instead of coming by car so that congestion on the roads is minimised and carbon emissions are reduced.
“We have been working closely with ScotRail to agree enhanced rail services to and from Troon and are grateful for their support, particularly on Championship days when we will be at full capacity at Royal Troon.
“We are advising all fans to check transport and travel websites to plan their journey and allow for extra time to get to and from Troon.”
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