Premier League: Government reveal new plans for 'fairer' train travel for rearranged matches
The aim is to encourage more fans to travel to matches by train, and ensure they are not left out of pocket when games are moved for television coverage or for other reasons
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Your support makes all the difference.Plans for affordable, flexible and safe rail travel for football fans when matches are rearranged are being developed by the government alongside the Premier League, British Transport Police and railway companies, the Department for Transport has announced.
The aim is to encourage more fans to travel to matches by train, and ensure they are not left out of pocket when games are moved for television coverage or for other reasons.
"Football is all about passionate fans, and the last thing loyal supporters deserve is to pay more when matches are rescheduled at the last minute," Rail minister Andrew Jones said.
"That's why I'm delighted that the government has helped secure a vital agreement that will bring together clubs, operators and British Transport Police.
"Significant changes are now within reach, which can ensure even more people use our railways to get to games and improve the experience for all passengers on match days.
"To drive this forward, I will be meeting with the Premier League and rail industry shortly to ensure our focus is on delivering a safe, secure and fair railway that works for fans, passengers, the clubs and the operators."
The Premier League is to draw up an agreement which, once confirmed by train operators and football clubs, will allow trials to be staged.
William Bush, Premier League executive director, said: "Both the Premier League and government are committed to working hard for a fairer, affordable, safer deal for football fans.
"We continue to work with rail industry leaders on proposals and look forward to setting out a joint way forward which will improve the travelling experience for fans on matchdays."
Labour's Shadow Sports Minister Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP has campaigned extensively on the issue and welcomed the government's decision to act, but warned fans face being locked out of the decision-making.
"It is fantastic to see the Government have listened to our proposals, but they must ensure fans are part of the conversation," Dr Allin-Khan said.
"For two years, we have been pushing the Government to introduce a scheme for fans who travel by train. For too long, fans have missed out on the cheapest train tickets when fixtures are rearranged for television.
"Fans will be angry that the Department for Transport have left them out of these upcoming discussions - we believe fans must be at the heart of the decision-making process."
PA
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