Doncaster Rovers are making it easier than ever for their supporters to get home from games from this weekend – thanks to a new partnership with the First South Yorkshire bus company.
From this Saturday (22 September), First will put on three buses, each carrying more than 70 passengers and making two trips to the town centre, for supporters leaving the ground.
The League One club has acted after reviewing the results of its recent Fan Experience survey, which showed that the Rovers’ faithful would appreciate better public transport links from the Keepmoat Stadium to Doncaster town centre on matchdays.
Rovers’ Fan Experience survey showed that nine per cent of home supporters – based on the club’s average attendance last season, more than 800 people - use public transport to get to and from matches.
Gavin Baldwin, chief executive of Doncaster Rovers, said: “We are always looking to improve the matchday experience for our supporters, and providing more travel options is one way to achieve this.
“Our consultations with Rovers fans showed that many were interested in using public transport to get home after games.
“This new partnership with First South Yorkshire strengthens a great relationship and we look forward to the new bus services starting this weekend.”
Simon Pearson, First's Revenue and Customer Services Development Director, said: "We are delighted to work in partnership with Doncaster Rovers to provide fans with an increased level of bus service to travel to and from home games."
The charity Campaign for Better Transport is hoping to encourage the country’s other football clubs to follow in Rovers’ footsteps. It will present ideas for public transport solutions to Premier League teams at the end of the current season.
According to a 2010 Football League survey, 47 per cent of fans travel by car, despite the environmental benefits that public transport can offer.
Gavin Baldwin added: “Our partnership with First will not only get people home from Rovers matches quickly and safely, but will also ease congestion and reduce carbon emissions.”
For more information about Doncaster Rovers’ Fan Experience survey, visit www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/fans/InRoversWeTrust or call 01302 764 664.