SCOTRAIL has launched a temporary ticket in collaboration with a national bus service provider to help fans reach The Open this weekend.
The train operator has introduced a two-in-one Golflink ticket, which includes both return rail travel to Troon station and a regular shuttle bus linking fans to and from the Championship, via a Stagecoach service.
Thousands of golf fans are expected to descend on the seaside town as the iconic golf course will host the 152nd Open at Royal Troon.
ScotRail will provide extra services to accommodate fans travelling to Troon train station on the days of the Championship, which runs from July 18 to 21.
READ MORE: 'Die-hard Scot' Bob MacIntyre full of pride after Scottish Open win
The rail operator also confirmed it will increase the capacity of the services to the station.
The news follows the introduction of a temporary timetable last week as services were reduced across the country due to an ongoing dispute with ScotRail and its drivers over pay.
Queuing systems will also be in place and extra staff will be on hand at both Troon and Glasgow Central station to help.
Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, says the two-in-one ticket for people going to The Open is a great way to save people time and make their trip run smoothly.
He said: “We will be doing everything we can to support fans attending the return of The Open at Royal Troon next week.
“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 from 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 of The 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. We look forward to welcoming them to The Open next week.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here