From the
Swindon AdvertiserInteresting quote about split tickets and the contigency to re-arrange trains if the match goes to penalties.
A RAIL firm has laid on extra trains to take Swindon Town^s large travelling support for the Wembley final next month following an outcry by fans in the Adver.
First Great Western has announced they will run five extra train services from Swindon to Paddington on March 25, the day the Robins take on Chesterfield in the Johnstone Paint Trophy.
But the company said there will still be no discounts available for fans travelling in large groups.
It comes after the Adver revealed Group Save tickets previously available to First Great Western customers were withdrawn on Sunday, March 25, meaning groups of fans travelling from Swindon to Paddington will not be able to get the usual discount.
Three services will run, with 8.56am, 9.45am and 10.16am services, while two extra trains will depart from Paddington at 6pm and either 5pm or 7pm depending on whether the game goes to extra time or penalties.
Dan Panes, a spokesman for First Great Western, said: ^We are not charging any premiums for the trains, but GroupSave tickets will not be available.
^The important thing to stress is there have been a number of people trying to get split tickets.
^It is worth pointing out we are not responsible if they do not hit their connections, whereas with a full ticket we are. We did not have any complaints ^ I think our regular travellers are aware of the GroupSave policy.^
Swindon South MP▸ Rob Buckland lobbied the firm to provide additional services and extra GroupSave tickets.
He said: ^We^ve now got more trains, but I am disappointed that they cannot offer group concessions.
^I still think it would be an excellent initiative for them to do this on what is a special day for the town.^
Nigel Bennett, spokesman for the Swindon Town Supporters Club, said it was good for fans to have alternatives and and pointed out that coaches were still available.
He said: ^Any alternative option for fans to get to the match is always welcome and I understand it may have sprung from a suggestion by the football club that they lay on additional facilities.^
