Free bus travel to return for Saints fans? (From Daily Echo)
When news happens, text SDE and your photos or videos to 80360. Or contact us by email and phone.
Southampton City Council want Saints to reinstate free bus travel for fans on match days
9:20am Thursday 20th September 2012 in News
By Matt Smith, Politics and business reporter
Saints fans on a bus
“GET on the bus!”
That’s the familiar rallying cry of Saints manager Nigel Adkins as he calls on fans and players to unite for the Southampton cause in the Premier League .
Now supporters heading for home games at St Mary’s Stadium could be literally doing just that – for free.
Following an approach from council planners, Southampton Football Club could be on the verge of bringing back free bus travel for the thousands of fans making their way to Premier League games at the stadium.
Planning chiefs are currently in negotiations with club bosses over the reintroduction of the scheme for ticket-holders.
It comes four years after Saints were given council permission to stop providing ticketholders with free bus travel to St Mary’s from within the city in a bid to save around £150,000 in subsidies to bus companies.
The club, then in financial trouble, had claimed the scheme was unaffordable after a drop in attendances.
It was used by about 1,600 spectators at the time.
Councillors agreed to amend a binding planning agreement but it stated the scheme would be reintroduced when Saints returned to the Premier League or if sustained attendances rose above 23,000.
Now Southampton are back in the football big time with the soccer superstars of Manchester United and Chelsea coming to the south coast.
As a result, St Mary’s is a near 32,000 sell-out for every home game, and according to planning rules the free bus service should be reinstated.
A Southampton council spokesman said that club had been in “technical breach” of the rules for not introducing the scheme sooner.
But he added: “At the moment we are in negotiations. We are hopeful of a positive outcome in the next week or so.”
Any further changes to the agreement must be made by the council’s planning committee.
Council leader Richard Williams had condemned the suspension of the free bus travel when he was opposition leader as betraying objectors to the stadium and being anti-environment.
He last night said he was delighted negotiations are now working towards reinstating fans’ free bus travel.
Cllr Williams said: “We’re very pleased the scheme is being reintroduced. We want to open up a dialogue with the club over the hopeful continued success the club will have in the Premier League, and are very keen to explore whatever opportunities there are with the club to benefit them and the city.”
The scheme was put in place as part of the 1999 stadium planning permission, which modelled crowds of between 23,000 and 32,000, to ease concerns from residents about traffic congestion on match days.
Andrew Cowen, the then club director, insisted it was only a “temporary suspension” but said it was vital as the club was “fighting for its financial life”.
The club’s holding company was put into administration ten months later and its assets, including the stadium, were eventually sold in a takeover to Swiss businessman Markus Liebherr, whose estate remains the owner since his death.
No one from Southampton Football Club was available for comment.
Comments(33)
Andy_Germany
says...
9:32am Thu 20 Sep 12
Monshira
says...
9:33am Thu 20 Sep 12
Sounds really free.
SO50 Saint
says...
9:33am Thu 20 Sep 12
Bingo from Sholing
says...
9:33am Thu 20 Sep 12
alan.of.eastleigh
says...
9:41am Thu 20 Sep 12
Bingo from Sholing wrote:What on earth are you on about? All that is being suggested is that those that choose to go buy bus go free. This isn't the eastern block where everyone must go that way. Really poor attempt to have a political pop.
Our Council cannot stand seeing their Council Tax payers enjoying themselves on the way to and from matches. So they want them to go in buses. They cannot come to terms that the shopping complex at West Quay was poorly planned and leads to huge congestion. The planners are attempting to retrieve a disastrous situation of their own making. Bus the fans in by all means, if that is what people want to do, but local trade will suffer also. It is a really pleasing sight to see our supporters walking over the Itchen Bridge on the way to the match. Why can't the Council "shiny" suits enjoy the sight too.
ToastyTea
says...
9:46am Thu 20 Sep 12
Bingo from Sholing wrote:Dude, I think the council are trying to do the fans a favour, not shove them on buses so nobody can see them walking about. I can't see it having any real effect on local trade either. People will still come in or stay for a beer etc, just get the bus instead of walking / driving / train.
Our Council cannot stand seeing their Council Tax payers enjoying themselves on the way to and from matches. So they want them to go in buses. They cannot come to terms that the shopping complex at West Quay was poorly planned and leads to huge congestion. The planners are attempting to retrieve a disastrous situation of their own making. Bus the fans in by all means, if that is what people want to do, but local trade will suffer also. It is a really pleasing sight to see our supporters walking over the Itchen Bridge on the way to the match. Why can't the Council "shiny" suits enjoy the sight too.
If I lived in a area of the city that required bus travel (luckily I live in city centre) I would really appreciate this.
Hopefully Cortese doesn't kick up a fuss about this.
sarfhamton
says...
9:50am Thu 20 Sep 12
aldermoorboy
says...
10:13am Thu 20 Sep 12
If the council have £150k to spend why not spend just £10k on Oaklands swimming for the kids/old people who rely on the pool.
People who go to watch Saints can afford the bus money, I support Saints and often walk the 6 miles it is good exercise.
Good luck for Saturday Saints, first win coming up.
ToastyTea
says...
10:22am Thu 20 Sep 12
aldermoorboy wrote:It sounds like the club would be paying, hence why the council is reminding them of the contract terms which had free bus travel as one of the terms of the stadium being built.
Is this going to cost council tax payers in Southampton £150k? If the council have £150k to spend why not spend just £10k on Oaklands swimming for the kids/old people who rely on the pool. People who go to watch Saints can afford the bus money, I support Saints and often walk the 6 miles it is good exercise. Good luck for Saturday Saints, first win coming up.
Sainty saint saint
says...
10:49am Thu 20 Sep 12
aldermoorboy wrote:It doesn't cost the council anything - that's the point. the bill goes to the club, that's why the council are keen to get it reintroduced.
Is this going to cost council tax payers in Southampton £150k?
If the council have £150k to spend why not spend just £10k on Oaklands swimming for the kids/old people who rely on the pool.
People who go to watch Saints can afford the bus money, I support Saints and often walk the 6 miles it is good exercise.
Good luck for Saturday Saints, first win coming up.
southy
says...
10:49am Thu 20 Sep 12
ToastyTea wrote:Was going to point that out to Aldermoorboy, the Club pays for this service not Tax payers.
aldermoorboy wrote:It sounds like the club would be paying, hence why the council is reminding them of the contract terms which had free bus travel as one of the terms of the stadium being built.
Is this going to cost council tax payers in Southampton £150k? If the council have £150k to spend why not spend just £10k on Oaklands swimming for the kids/old people who rely on the pool. People who go to watch Saints can afford the bus money, I support Saints and often walk the 6 miles it is good exercise. Good luck for Saturday Saints, first win coming up.
Maine Lobster
says...
11:03am Thu 20 Sep 12
ToastyTea wrote:£10k on Oaklands Pool will not make it an ongoing and viable facility unfortunately. It needs large investment which the city can't afford.
aldermoorboy wrote: Is this going to cost council tax payers in Southampton £150k? If the council have £150k to spend why not spend just £10k on Oaklands swimming for the kids/old people who rely on the pool. People who go to watch Saints can afford the bus money, I support Saints and often walk the 6 miles it is good exercise. Good luck for Saturday Saints, first win coming up.It sounds like the club would be paying, hence why the council is reminding them of the contract terms which had free bus travel as one of the terms of the stadium being built.
Alty Saint
says...
11:12am Thu 20 Sep 12
Datarater
says...
11:33am Thu 20 Sep 12
Walking and cycling is a lot healthier. Oh wait! It is the trade union agenda.
southy
says...
11:52am Thu 20 Sep 12
Datarater wrote:It as nothing to do with Trade Unions, its about restarted a contract that was susspended due to lack of funds at the Saints football ground to be able to pay for the service.
If the council thinks it is such a good idea then they should pay.
Walking and cycling is a lot healthier. Oh wait! It is the trade union agenda.
Zeo
says...
11:59am Thu 20 Sep 12
ToastyTea
says...
12:04pm Thu 20 Sep 12
Zeo wrote:won't happen.
Theres a perfectly good railway right next door to the stadium how about reopening that up for people coming from further afield in Hampshire, free or discounted rail fares :)
andysaints007
says...
12:21pm Thu 20 Sep 12
aldermoorboy wrote:Do you not live in Aldermoor then ?
Is this going to cost council tax payers in Southampton £150k?
If the council have £150k to spend why not spend just £10k on Oaklands swimming for the kids/old people who rely on the pool.
People who go to watch Saints can afford the bus money, I support Saints and often walk the 6 miles it is good exercise.
Good luck for Saturday Saints, first win coming up.
Ford Prefect
says...
12:46pm Thu 20 Sep 12
That is no longer the situation (and hasn't been for some time). The club can now afford to honour its part of the bargain again and make a contribution to reducing congestion and pollution. It's not much but at least it's something.
Those who choose to walk will still walk.
Polomintno1
says...
1:19pm Thu 20 Sep 12
legod7
says...
1:22pm Thu 20 Sep 12
Surely NC must have known about it when he took over
CB FRY LIVES
says...
1:35pm Thu 20 Sep 12
Dasal
says...
2:36pm Thu 20 Sep 12
ToastyTea wrote:I know my memory is not what it was - thats aging for you - but can anybody else recall that when the stadium was originally proposed Northam station was going to be revamped and used in conjunction with it.
Zeo wrote: Theres a perfectly good railway right next door to the stadium how about reopening that up for people coming from further afield in Hampshire, free or discounted rail fares :)won't happen.
Or as I say maybe the minds going..............
Zeo
says...
5:36pm Thu 20 Sep 12
Dasal wrote:Yes there was many during the years 1999 till 2002, with different ideas... The land is still safe guarded for rail use and halt, they are waiting for more of a demand for it sooooo this could help bring back the idea of reopening.
ToastyTea wrote:I know my memory is not what it was - thats aging for you - but can anybody else recall that when the stadium was originally proposed Northam station was going to be revamped and used in conjunction with it.
Zeo wrote: Theres a perfectly good railway right next door to the stadium how about reopening that up for people coming from further afield in Hampshire, free or discounted rail fares :)won't happen.
Or as I say maybe the minds going..............
Stupideditor
says...
7:08pm Thu 20 Sep 12
Baddesley Bill
says...
7:32pm Thu 20 Sep 12
Stupideditor wrote:errrmm....to reduce congestion??? Plank
Once again another appauling idea from SCC. Why should football fans get free transportation yet students who wish to study in southampton have to pay for bus transportation. The future of our childrens studies is more important than a load of football cretins wanting to attend a football match. This country is most certainly going backwards and is better off being run by a load of chimps.
#sevennationarmy
says...
7:34pm Thu 20 Sep 12
Stupideditor wrote:Bit harsh...No need to tarnish all football fans with the same brush!
Once again another appauling idea from SCC. Why should football fans get free transportation yet students who wish to study in southampton have to pay for bus transportation. The future of our childrens studies is more important than a load of football cretins wanting to attend a football match. This country is most certainly going backwards and is better off being run by a load of chimps.
It's a condition of the planning permission for the stadium. I think it's am excellent idea if it means less cars and less congestion. Plus it's a decent service for the fans.
I don't see the problem?
Fatty x Ford Worker
says...
7:44pm Fri 21 Sep 12
BrixtonSaint
says...
6:54am Sat 22 Sep 12
Bingo from Sholing wrote:And just what is it that football fans on the way to a match at SMS will be wanting to purchase in the shopping mecca of Woolston?
Our Council cannot stand seeing their Council Tax payers enjoying themselves on the way to and from matches. So they want them to go in buses. They cannot come to terms that the shopping complex at West Quay was poorly planned and leads to huge congestion. The planners are attempting to retrieve a disastrous situation of their own making. Bus the fans in by all means, if that is what people want to do, but local trade will suffer also. It is a really pleasing sight to see our supporters walking over the Itchen Bridge on the way to the match. Why can't the Council "shiny" suits enjoy the sight too.
The Bridge pub is the starting point for many a bus ride over the bridge whether with a free ride or not. I doubt they're worried about losing business.
german saint
says...
11:54am Sat 22 Sep 12
Andy_Germany wrote:same here.. i regulary go to watch hannover 96 in the bundesliga and free public travel is provided 3 hours before kick off till end of service at 3am all is required is a matchday ticket....... coyr
I live and work in Germany and attend my local teams matches on a regular basis. They are in the German third division. But I still get to travel for free on public transport three hours before the match and three hours after, you just need your matchday ticket.
Landdo
says...
9:14pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Stupideditor wrote:Plank.....
Once again another appauling idea from SCC. Why should football fans get free transportation yet students who wish to study in southampton have to pay for bus transportation. The future of our childrens studies is more important than a load of football cretins wanting to attend a football match. This country is most certainly going backwards and is better off being run by a load of chimps.
"cretins" buying tickets is revinue for the club, the club pay for the busses therefore those "cretins" actually pay for busses!
Oh one more thing, next time you want to label someone or in this case thousands of people a cretin take a long hard look in the mirror
Fatty x Ford Worker
says...
4:42pm Sun 23 Sep 12
Zeo wrote:All the Transport links are in place all they have got to do is re open Northam Station all this crap S.W.T. have not got any vacant slots!
Theres a perfectly good railway right next door to the stadium how about reopening that up for people coming from further afield in Hampshire, free or discounted rail fares :)
saintmicky says...
9:29am Thu 20 Sep 12