Getting to the Banks’s Stadium for Saddlers games has never been easier for football fans living in north Walsall thanks to the launch of three special match day bus services.
Transport authority Centro, bus company Midland and Walsall Football Club have teamed up to fund and run the trial Saddlers Specials bus services for the last five games of the season.
It means people living in the outer areas of the borough can get to home matches and back again quickly, easily and cheaply with tickets costing just £1.70 single or £3 return.
The services will cover areas including Bloxwich, Mossley, Lower Farm, Walsall Wood, Brownhills, Pelsall, Rushall, Coalpool, Shire Oak, Blakenall, Dudley’s Fields and Beechdale.
The buses will serve every stop on three carefully designed routes, taking Saddlers fans right into the Banks’s Stadium car park by 2pm giving them plenty of time to get something to eat and drink, buy a programme and take their seat before kick-off.
Return services will depart from the same spot, leaving the ground at 5.05pm ensuring passengers don’t need to wait around and get home quickly after the game.
If the trials are successful and enough people get on board Midland has pledged to keep running the buses during the 2010/11 season.
Cllr Gary Clarke, Chairman of Centro said: “I’ve been a Saddlers fan all my life and have always enjoyed going to games both during my childhood and as an adult.
“I’m delighted that we have been able to help fund these trial match day services which mean people from north Walsall, who previously had no direct transport links to the Banks’s Stadium, can travel to see their team play easily and affordably.
“They really will give more people the opportunity to enjoy watching live Walsall games like I have over the years and I hope the trials are successful and well used so the services can become a long term fixture for Saddlers fans.”
The trial services will start for the Saddlers home game against Colchester United on Saturday 20 March 2010, and will also run for the Banks’s Stadium matches against Wycombe Wanderers, Tranmere Rovers, Hartlepool United and MK Dons.
“We hope that the Saddlers Special bus service will encourage more and more people to attend Walsall FC home games,” said Saddlers’ Chief Executive, Roy Whalley.
“We are thankful for the support we have received for this venture and hope that the people of Walsall get behind this trial so that Saddlers Specials become part and parcel of supporters’ match day routines for many years to come.”
Asst Depot Manager Neil Snook from Midland added: “We are delighted to be associated with Centro and Walsall FC in providing this valuable service for fans from the north of the borough.
“With the retail park nearby, there has been a problem with traffic congestion before and after the match. The Saddlers Specials will not only provide a direct link to the Banks’s Stadium from the north of Walsall for fans already using public transport, but hopefully will entice people out of their cars to use these services to see the match.
“At just £3 return, this is excellent value for money and will cut out the hassle for fans trying to find a parking place, as well as reducing the amount of traffic congestion in the area.“
More information including timetables and route details are available at networkwestmidalnds.com/saddlersspecials and leaflets are available on Midland buses, at the Banks’s Stadium and at the travel shop at Walsall Bus Station.
People using any of the Saddlers Specials bus services to get to the Colchester United game on 20 March will receive a free 50/50 ticket for the chance to win a large cash prize in the 50/50 half time prize draw.
