A north-east MSP has urged ScotRail to give north-east football fans a travel deal already on offer in England.
Registered supporters of Sunderland and Newcastle United are allowed to book discounted tickets for their teams’ away fixtures as part of a new arrangement with Virgin Trains East Coast.
Trains also wait for fans if they are delayed at a match which goes into extra time, and supporters can rebook their journey for free if a fixture is rescheduled.
With the number of Dons fans making away day trips increasing as their team improves
Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart now wants ScotRail to match the deal on offer in the north-east of England.
He said: “This is a great initiative by Virgin Trains, Newcastle United and Sunderland that will benefit all involved as well as the clubs’ fans.
“With Aberdeen taking bumper crowds with them as they visit stadiums across the country, they would seem to me the obvious choice for trialing a scheme like this in Scotland.”
A ScotRail spokeswoman said:
“We work closely with Scottish football clubs to support fans travelling to matches by rail where possible.
“In the past this has included occasional football specials for major fixtures, plus discounted deals for fans.”
“We have not yet received Mr Stewart’s letter but will read his suggestions with interest.”
