Caley Thistle fans have slammed the pricing of their special ‘Inverness Express’ train for Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final against Celtic at Hampden Park, adding to the controversy over the showpiece clash.
Scotrail put on the extra service to accommodate supporters from the Highlands who have been left inconvenienced by the switch to a tea-time kick off from the traditional 3pm start for the cup final. The decision was taken to avoid a clash with the FA Cup final which sparked fury among fans and representatives of both clubs.
However, the 5.30pm start meant Inverness fans would miss their last rail journey home if they stayed until the final whistle. ScotRail then announced they would run a ‘football special’ to help fans get to the and from the National Stadium.
This train departs Inverness station at 11:03 and travels non-stop to Glasgow Queen Street, arriving at 14:21. The ticket cost also covers fans’ additional return travel by ScotRail train between Glasgow Central and Mount Florida, the station nearest Hampden Park. For the return journey, the train departs Glasgow Queen Street at 20:48, arriving back in Inverness at 00:02. In the event of extra time and penalties, the train will depart Glasgow Queen Street at 21:30, and arrive in Inverness at 00:27.
The cost of a return ticket is £76.90 for adults with child fares also available and that has caused anger among fans who have taken to social media. One wrote: “You certainly know the how to fleece the fans. £70 for adults.” Another added: “The SFA should be picking up the bill for this - not the fans.” One said: “I got a return flight to Dublin the other month for £29!” One simply said: “Scandalous prices.”
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