Further to Chelsea’s statement on away coach travel it is disappointing that the subsidy will be stopped. We are pleased that the club will continue to offer a coach service as it is easier to plan than guessing what the trains prices will be like when the dates get confirmed. However, fans on a budget not knowing what it may cost face further headaches. The timing is also unfortunate given the season has started already.
Concerns were expressed at recent meetings with Chelsea officials by all supporters’ groups regarding the increase in costs to away coach travel in these difficult times, but sadly the club have still decided to take this unpopular decision.
These coaches are used by some of our most vulnerable supporters who rely on this to attend matches. The overall cost to the club is very small in comparison to their recent outlay.
Chelsea Football Club is a community, open to everyone, and those who would not otherwise be able to attend without the Club’s help should be supported equally with others. Many new friendships have been made between fans who travel together.
We urge the Club to reconsider their decision or, as a compromise, commit to running a minimum of one coach for all away fixtures so as to support those who need it most.
(Many thanks to the CST for subsidising the costs of travel to Bournemouth).