Virgin Launches Fans' Discount Scheme

Football supporters in the North-East are set to benefit from a brand new initiative from Virgin Trains East Coast, which aims to make matchday journeys safer, cheaper and easier.

Virgin Trains East Coast has worked closely with Newcastle United and Sunderland, supporter groups and British Transport Police to create an exclusive web page which will offer special discounts and flexible bookings accessible to supporters who are registered with their respective club.

Supporters can register and book travel here and can benefit from the following deals:

- 10 per cent off Virgin Trains East Coast's already discounted Advance fares
- 25 per cent off Virgin Trains East Coast group bookings for between three and nine fans travelling together
- A free change to a new date or train if an away fixture is moved for TV scheduling reasons (applies to Virgin Trains East Coast tickets and trains only)
- More minutes added to catch a return train if the match goes to extra time.

Alison Watson, customer experience director at Virgin Trains East Coast, said: "Our pilot discount scheme has been put together in consultation with fans of both Newcastle United and Sunderland, with the full backing of both clubs, the Football Supporters' Federation and the British Transport Police.

"We're offering exciting discounts for individuals and groups of supporters travelling together - and the opportunity to change a booked journey with us to a new date or train if an away fixture is rescheduled for TV coverage.

"We know there are many football fans who loyally follow their teams all over the country - this is a trial initiative, working with all our partners to promote safe travel by train. If this pilot proves successful, we will look at extending it to supporters following other clubs on our route."

Inspector Brian Buddo, of British Transport Police, said: "The Football Neighbourhood Policing units of Northumbria Police and British Transport Police are pleased to see the fans of Newcastle United and Sunderland putting aside their rivalry to work together on the scheme.

"We know the majority of football fans are well behaved and a credit to their clubs, and this scheme rewards those who travel responsibly.

"Both BTP and Northumbria Police are committed to working with train companies and football clubs to further promote responsible travel and, during the coming season, we will continue to develop the strong community ties and relationships which have been developed."

Lee Marshall, PR and supporter liaison manager at Newcastle United, added: "Football fans in the North-East are known for going to great lengths to show their support up and down the country so this is a very welcome initiative.

"Alongside British Transport Police, Virgin Trains East Coast deserve huge credit for their proactive approach to working with our supporters. They have taken time to consider the hurdles people face when travelling to matches and they have worked closely with fans and the clubs to overcome them.

"We think the pilot will be a hugely popular addition and we look forward to seeing the scheme in action as the football season progresses."

The pilot scheme is also being welcomed by the Football Supporters Federation (FSF).

Rick Duniec, FSF National Council member, said: "This is something we've been suggesting for a number of years, and we're delighted that Virgin Trains East Coast has developed this in partnership with Newcastle United and Sunderland fans.

"In the past, supporters have missed out on cheapest advance-booked fares as late changes to accommodate live TV coverage can leave them out of pocket if they booked before the fixture was moved.

"This is now being addressed, and it's our job now to encourage Newcastle United and Sunderland supporters with a club membership number to take advantage of this brilliant improvement."