Will busme with soccer n score specials?
Page 6
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A BATTLE between rival football supporters travelling by coach at a motorway service station at the weekend has left major operators more doubtful whether to go all out to attract this traffic.
This market has been left virtually untapped following British Rail's withdrawal from running football excursions. The coach operators are doubtful whether the revenue which could be attracted from carrying supporters would be offset by possible damage done to vehicles.
Many drivers are also reluctant to turn up for duty when they know that a football sup porters' trip is ahead. Like BR, National Travel is trying to cover itself against damage by concentrating on hiring coaches to recognised supporters' organisations who are responsible for paying for any damage done.
Mr Tom McLachlan, general manager of Grey Green, declared: " We don't know whether to go all out for this business or not; we run many excursions — especially for Spurs games—and have had little damage in the past. But, of course, only a couple of smashed windows can cost several hundreds of pounds to repair and put the coach out of service."