Politicians have called for an end to match-day travel chaos after fans were forced to wait for over an hour for trains after games.
Kemptown MP Chris Ward and Lord Steve Bassam said they were frustrated by “unacceptable” scenes following Brighton matches at the Amex where long queues formed to try to get trains after the full-time whistle.
The pair, both Albion fans, called on public transport operators to do more to fix the problems after some fans waited more than 90 minutes for trains after one midweek match in October.
Mr Ward said: “Matchday travel is often the worst part of going to games for many fans and the scenes after the Liverpool cup tie were completely unacceptable.
“The club has done so much to help fans and promote sustainable travel to the Amex but the current system simply isn’t working.
“It’s a risk to fans, residents and staff at the club who have to manage scenes like last Wednesday night and face unacceptable abuse due to the delays.
"We need rail operators and bus companies to work with the club on this and to put on more dedicated services – for example dedicated shuttles between Lewes and Brighton on busy games.
“I’ve spoken to the club about this and I know we can find a way forward – but this has gone on too long without action.”
Fans were forced to wait in long queues for trains from Falmer Station following Albion’s Carabao Cup loss on October 30 against Liverpool, with some reportedly waiting over 90 minutes for a train.
Brighton and Hove Albion encourage fans to use public transport to get to games, offering free train and bus travel in their “free travel zone” and running park and ride buses from locations across the outskirts of the city.
Lifelong Albion fan Lord Bassam added: "Match-day delays are a serious issue. Fans are left waiting too long, which creates risks and spoils the match-day experience. Govia Thameslink Railway must prioritise additional services for game times.
“We’re ready to help bring the club and stakeholders together to find a lasting solution."
A GTR spokesman apologised for disruption, adding that midweek games are “more of a challenge” and have “well-rehearsed crowd management plans”.
The rail operator said: “We’re delighted with the success Brighton and Hove Albion have enjoyed. This does mean more fans than ever are travelling to the stadium but – as Lord Bassam acknowledges – we have a constructive approach to match days and an excellent relationship with the club that sees us working very closely together.
“We’d be happy to meet to discuss this. Weekends are not an issue unless there is a problem with the network, such as a signal failure. We have trains available and always add extra shuttles between Brighton and Lewes to run the maximum frequency possible and lengthen trains from the usual four to six and eight carriages.”
An Albion spokesman said: “We have a very good working relationship with Southern and Brighton & Hove Buses, and we are proud of the sustainable travel scheme we have in place at the stadium.
"When the transport plan works smoothly and at full capacity, we see the travel operators move a large number of fans at speed, safely and securely.
“However, it does come as a result of a considerable level of investment by the club, running to several millions of pounds over the past 14 seasons — as well several more millions of pounds into the ongoing infrastructure investment since the stadium works first begun. These are costs our rivals in the Premier League do not bear.
“It’s also important to remember the club is not responsible for the travel provision involving trains or buses; nonetheless we would like to see a minimum level of service provided to fans for all of our matches, both day time and evening fixtures, and we welcome any intervention which helps the transport providers achieve that.
“However, we are also aware the transport providers can face a variety of challenges and that this clearly impacts our supporters — the vast majority of whom are increasingly patient and helpful in those scenarios – and their enjoyment of matchdays at our stadium.
"We will continue to work with all stakeholders in order to help the transport companies achieve the best possible service for our supporters.”
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