09/04/2018 - Saints at Wembley: Coach firm gears up for busy date
Coliseum Coaches taking football fans to FA Cup semi-final
It’s not just football fans celebrating Saints’ place in the FA Cup semi final on April 22. Local businesses are feeling the positive impact of their city team earning a place at Wembley.
Among them is Southampton coach firm, Coliseum, which is gearing up for one of its busiest days of the year thanks to Saints’ success on the pitch.
The company, which regularly transports supporters to away matches, expects to lay on at least 10 vehicles to take eager fans to Wembley and watch their team take on Chelsea in the FA Cup semi final.
Already demand for transport has been so high in some areas that it has laid on additional coaches.
Coliseum will run five routes to Wembley, with pick up points ranging from Bournemouth in the West to Fleet Services in the East. As the match falls on the same day as the ABP Southampton Marathon, Coliseum has carefully planned pick up points outside of road closure areas.
Paul Barringer, group sales and marketing director, said: “Saints fans are a passionate bunch and they’ve been quick to arrange their travel plans to Wembley. We’ve seen a significant spike in web traffic for those looking to book their coach travel and it could be that we lay on even more coaches as demand grows.”
The company has also received requests from groups looking to book private coach travel to the match. Fans can travel in their own luxury people carrier, minibus or coach complete with their own driver.
Paul added: “Between those travelling on the official away coaches and those taking advantage of our private hire service we’re bracing ourselves for a very busy day on April 22.
“It’s a huge logistical undertaking but we’re more than qualified for the challenge. Our staff across all areas of the business, from sales and planning to engineering and driving, are already working together to ensure the day runs with military precision.”
Fans can expect to pay £20 for return coach travel to Wembley with Coliseum (£22 for Bournemouth routes). Under 16s travel for £15 for any route.
Tickets can be purchased via www.coliseumcoaches.co.uk or by calling 023 8047 2377.