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Valley Express to continue....

AFKABartramAFKABartram
edited April 2009 in General Charlton
Important, and really good news IMO. Think the survey Stilladdicted did of her coach may have had an impact, so well done A.

http://www.cafc.co.uk/newsview.ink?nid=34043

Valley Express coaches will continue to ferry supporters through the Kent and Sussex countryside to see the Addicks in action next season, the club has confirmed.

However, the fare will rise by £1 for the second summer running with the Charlton board forced to trim the subsidy the service receives from match ticket sales to passengers.

From August, fans will pay a flat £7 wherever they board their coach, but season-ticket holders and other regulars can keep their fare down to £6 by purchasing a season pass for £138.

Head of club development Rick Everitt, who has overseen the service since its launch from Ramsgate in 2004, said: "In recent weeks many fans have told us they will only be able to buy a season ticket if Valley Express continues, and the club has taken note of that.

"In the context of the stringent economies being made, including staff potentially losing their jobs, we have had to look long and hard at the service, but we are now able to confirm that the vast majority of routes and pick-ups will operate again next season.

"In return the board is asking passengers to accept a small increase in the cost, but there is still an element of subsidy and even £7 is great value considering the alternative cost of public transport or petrol from much of the network."

He explained: "While overall numbers have obviously declined since we were in the Premier League, which is what I think has led some fans to fear the club might pull the plug, the key point is that we are still filling about 90 per cent of the seats on each coach."

Areas potentially affected by an ongoing review include the A22 coach from Eastbourne and East Grinstead, which has suffered disproportionately dwindling numbers, and the A227 service from Borough Green, although the latter is unlikely to be withdrawn at this stage.

All current Valley Express routes via the M2, A2, M20, A21 and the A23/M23 are confirmed for 2009/10.

Acting on feedback from passengers, the club is also looking to reduce the distance some fans have to walk to board their coach in Charlton after games.

Valley Express season passes will go on sale with season tickets from April 9th.

Further announcements on the routes and pick-ups under review will follow in the next few weeks, and any 2008/09 season-pass holders affected by changes will be contacted direct.

Comments

  • stilladdictedstilladdicted
    I'm really pleased that the club has responded in a very positive way and I'm hopeful that Kent fans will respond in an equally positive way and renew their season tickets. There'll be twubble if they don't!
  • adamtheaddickadamtheaddick
    will it still be red wing or good old Brentons of blackheath like the glory days?
  • JTJT
    Very good news personally.
  • eastbourne_addickeastbourne_addick
    edited April 2009
    [cite]Posted By: AFKABartram[/cite]Important, and really good news IMO. Think the survey Stilladdicted did of her coach may have had an impact, so well done A.

    http://www.cafc.co.uk/newsview.ink?nid=34043

    Valley Express coaches will continue to ferry supporters through the Kent and Sussex countryside to see the Addicks in action next season, the club has confirmed.

    However, the fare will rise by £1 for the second summer running with the Charlton board forced to trim the subsidy the service receives from match ticket sales to passengers.

    From August, fans will pay a flat £7 wherever they board their coach, but season-ticket holders and other regulars can keep their fare down to £6 by purchasing a season pass for £138.

    Head of club development Rick Everitt, who has overseen the service since its launch from Ramsgate in 2004, said: "In recent weeks many fans have told us they will only be able to buy a season ticket if Valley Express continues, and the club has taken note of that.

    "In the context of the stringent economies being made, including staff potentially losing their jobs, we have had to look long and hard at the service, but we are now able to confirm that the vast majority of routes and pick-ups will operate again next season.

    "In return the board is asking passengers to accept a small increase in the cost, but there is still an element of subsidy and even £7 is great value considering the alternative cost of public transport or petrol from much of the network."

    He explained: "While overall numbers have obviously declined since we were in the Premier League, which is what I think has led some fans to fear the club might pull the plug, the key point is that we are still filling about 90 per cent of the seats on each coach."

    Areas potentially affected by an ongoing review include the A22 coach from Eastbourne and East Grinstead, which has suffered disproportionately dwindling numbers, and the A227 service from Borough Green, although the latter is unlikely to be withdrawn at this stage.

    All current Valley Express routes via the M2, A2, M20, A21 and the A23/M23 are confirmed for 2009/10.

    Acting on feedback from passengers, the club is also looking to reduce the distance some fans have to walk to board their coach in Charlton after games.

    Valley Express season passes will go on sale with season tickets from April 9th.

    Further announcements on the routes and pick-ups under review will follow in the next few weeks, and any 2008/09 season-pass holders affected by changes will be contacted direct.

    suprise suprise eastbourne one will stop
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