Fife rail services to improve as more seats are added

ScotRail has published its new timetables, which are set to come into play on Sunday and will see welcome improvements. 

Cowdenbeath MSP Annabelle Ewing said: “I have been pressing for improved train services in Fife for some time, raising the issue with government ministers, ScotRail and Transport Scotland, so I am really pleased that the new timetables which come in at the start of next month show important progress in that campaign.

“Particularly welcome are the hourly direct daytime link between North Queensferry and Kirkcaldy and the fact that the number of seats provided between Fife and Edinburgh will be increased by over 3,000 in each direction, every day. 

"That will really help address the overcrowding that has been a serious issue."

It comes after complaints from both councillors and commuters alike, in January, when the Press reported that passengers on Fife trains were being "packed like sardines" with peak time services turning up with just two carriages.

Ms Ewing continued: “Combined with the continued suspension of peak fares, this is good news for rail travel in Fife and strong evidence that the Scottish Government’s decision to bring ScotRail into public hands has put our rail services on the right track.”

The government's pilot scheme to remove peak rail fares and shift to off-peak fares all day, was introduced back in October 2023 and was due to end in June. 

It has since been extended for a further three months, and combined with the increased seats on Fife services to the capital and the hourly direct daytime link between North Queensferry and Kirkcaldy, Fife passengers SHOULD see an improvement. 

READ MORE: Fife rail passengers on track for cheaper fares