FIFE Circle passengers are being reminded that significant disruption is expected during rail strikes taking place this week.

Nationwide industrial action by RMT members of Network Rail is taking place today (Tuesday), Wednesday, Friday and Saturday as part of an ongoing pay dispute.

ScotRail is reminding customers that although the dispute does not involve ScotRail staff, it will have a major impact on the train operator’s ability to provide services across Scotland.

On strike days, services will run on 12 routes across the central belt, Fife, and the Borders between 7.30am and 6.30pm.

In Fife, there will be two trains per hour between Edinburgh Waverley and Cowdenbeath.

Scotrail says final services will depart well before 6.30pm, so customers should plan ahead and ensure they know when their last train will depart.   

On the non-strike day, Thursday, January 5, the same limited timetable will be in operation. It is hoped that some additional routes can be added, but customers should check the website and journey planner for details before they travel.

David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said:  “It’s really disappointing to see more widespread disruption across the whole Great Britain rail network as a result of the dispute between Network Rail and the RMT at a time when we need to be encouraging more people back to the railway.

“For ScotRail, it’s going to mean that we won’t be able to operate the vast majority of our services between 3 and 7 January, which we know will be really frustrating for our customers.

“We’re advising customers to seek alternative means of transport and to only travel if they really need to on the days of strike action.

“Customers should check their entire journey in advance to make sure their train is running."

The train operator has updated its retail systems to reflect the impact of strike action. Customers are also advised to visit www.scotrail.co.uk/strike for more information.