THE SADDLERS Special Bus Services were launched ahead of Saturday's victory over Colchester United and were very well received by supporters.
Three specially-commissioned buses link areas across North Walsall to Banks's Stadium, serving every stop along the route, getting you to the match in good time to sample the pre-match experience and then home promptly afterwards, departing from the same spot as where you were dropped off. Click here to find out more.
The services will continue for the remaining four home games of the season against Wycombe Wanderers (on Monday, April 5th), Tranmere Rovers (on Saturday, April 10th), Hartlepool United (on Saturday, April 24th) and MK Dons (on Saturday, May 8th), with a view to running them on a regular basis next term if they are successful.
Transport authority Centro, bus company Midland and Walsall Football Club have teamed up to fund and run the trial Saddlers Specials bus services, which cost just £1.70 single fare or £3 return.
'WFC 1' serves Walsall Wood, Shire Oak, Brownhills, Pelsall and Rushall. 'WFC 2' serves Lower Farm, Bloxwich, Blakenall, Coalpool and Harden. 'WFC 3' serves Mossley Estate, Dudley Fields and Beechdale. Download your timetable here.
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 matchday 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."
"We hope that the Saddlers Special bus service will encourage more and more people to attend Walsall FC home games," added 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' matchday 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 www.networkwestmidalnds.com/saddlersspecials and leaflets are available on Midland buses, at the Banks's Stadium and at the travel shop at Walsall Bus Station.
Click here to find out more. Download your timetable here.
Official Photographer, David Linney was on hand to capture the first buses arriving at Banks's Stadium...
