Fan shuttle bus plan for community stadium
FOOTBALL fans in York could still enjoy a pre-match pint in their favourite pubs if their club moves to a new home on the edge of the city.
Developers behind proposals for a 6,000-seater stadium to house York City FC and York City Knights at Monks Cross plan to introduce shuttle buses to ferry supporters from the city centre to matches.
Oakgate (Monks Cross) Ltd has suggested the shuttles could travel along routes near traditional watering holes for the Minstermen’s followers, having studied similar public transport schemes at new stadia in Walsall, Chesterfield and Colchester.
The idea has been incorporated within a transport assessment submitted to City of York Council as part of the company’s planning application for the project, which would see the new ground built on the current Huntington Stadium site alongside a retail development including John Lewis and Marks & Spencer stores.
The council’s planning committee was expected to debate Oakgate’s plans – which the firm say would create 1,000 new jobs and boost the local economy, but which have been criticised by city-centre businesses – this week, but this has been delayed after the authority asked for more information on issues such as the scheme’s impact on other retailers.
“It is proposed that dedicated shuttle buses are provided between the city centre and the stadium to accommodate matchday travel,” said Oakgate’s report.
“Pick-up points in the city centre can be adjusted to suit demand, but shuttle services should serve the railway station.
“It is likely football supporters would need to be segregated at the station, given the potential conflicts with other users.
“Travel on the shuttle bus could be provided as part of pre-purchased match tickets or season tickets.
“In addition, services could be provided to serve locations accessible to traditional supporters’ pubs.”
The report said using Leeman Road’s bus stops for shuttle services would be “an appropriate option” for managing crowds.
It also suggested forming a group to deal with travel issues surrounding stadium events, including representatives from City and the Knights, the council, North Yorkshire Police and local bus firms.
Courtesy of The Press article written by Mark Stead
This entry was posted on Sunday, January 22nd, 2012 at 5:36 pm and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.
