AN ADDITIONAL rail service connecting Prestonpans, Wallyford and Musselburgh with Edinburgh will launch this summer.

The new service, which will take to the tracks in June, will leave Prestonpans at 8.05am and allow customers to reach the capital in about 15 minutes.

Potential passengers will also benefit from the service stopping at Wallyford and Musselburgh, increasing the number of seats for customers on the popular route.

Earlier this month, ScotRail apologised after one of its busiest services from North Berwick to Edinburgh ran with half the usual number of carriages.

The issue resulted in a number of passengers having to stand on the crowded train while some commuters were unable to even board the service at Wallyford or Musselburgh.

READ MORE: East Lothian commuters left stranded at station after more rail issues

The situation was even highlighted in the Scottish Parliament when South Scotland MSP Martin Whitfield spoke about the rail chaos.

Scott Prentice, ScotRail strategy and planning director, said: "ScotRail has listened to customers in East Lothian and is responding to additional demand for morning services in this area.

“We’re delighted to be able to announce this new service, providing more seats and commuting journey opportunities for customers in the east of the region.

“The new timetable structure will also accommodate longer term ScotRail improvements, should passenger demand continue to grow.”