New Ross County matchday bus service makes home debut – as ICT service returns to support the supporters
HITRANS is helping promote matchday bus services for supporters of both Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Ross County this season.
A new Stagecoach service ferrying Ross County supporters from Inverness, Conon Bridge and Maryburgh to games in Dingwall kicks off on August 8 for the first home league match against St Johnstone.
The following day, ICT’s home tie against Peterhead will see buses re-start to take fans to the newly-named Sarens PSG Stadium.
HITRANS is supporting both sets of fans by printing thousands of leaflets promoting the Stagecoach services and encouraging fans to get on board.
The leaflets will be distributed on the buses and also at both grounds on match days.
The buses give supporters an easy and convenient option to attend games without the need to drive.
In the case of ICT fans, it also allows them to enjoy Bar 94 at the stadium before and after games.
The first Ross County fans’ bus will leave Inverness Bus Station at 5.05pm, arriving in Dingwall at 5.40pm, and at 6.35pm, arriving at 7.10pm, calling at Tore Interchange, Conon Bridge, and Maryburgh on the way.
Post match, it leaves the stadium at 9.40pm and 11pm.
For future 3pm kick off games on Saturdays, the pre-match service departs Inverness Bus Station at 12.20pm and 1.50pm. It will leave the Tore Interchange at 12.37pm and 2.07pm.
Post match, the bus departs the stadium 10 minutes after the final whistle and at 6.16pm. It leaves the Tore Interchange at 5.16pm and 6.31pm.
Individual tickets cost £10, with group tickets (allowing up to five adults to travel) costing £24.70.
A 30% discount will operate on bus tickets for season ticket holders.
Buses will also operate for games that start at times other than 3pm on Saturdays. Times will be confirmed in advance on the Ross County matchday information post on www.rosscountyfootballclub.co.uk or by contacting the club.
Neil MacRae, HITRANS’ senior partnership manager, said: “This new service is an ideal way for Ross County supporters living in Inverness, Conon Bridge and Maryburgh to follow their team without the need to take their cars.
“HITRANS encourages the use of public transport and the need to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads. This is a safe and convenient way of achieving that while helping more people attend home matches in Dingwall.”
David Beaton, managing director of Stagecoach North Scotland, said: “We’re proud to be supporting Ross County this season by making it even easier for fans to get to and from the Global Energy Stadium on matchdays.
“Thanks to our new arrangement, season ticket holders travelling from Inverness and the surrounding area will be able to access discounted travel via the Stagecoach app, with pick-up and drop-off points in Tore, Conon Bridge and Maryburgh.
“Our connection with the club is genuine and one of our drivers is a fanatical Ross County supporter, so not only will he drive his fellow fans to and from the home games, he’ll also be cheering on the team inside the stadium alongside them too.
“The Staggies and Stagecoach are a winning team and we look forward to playing our part in an exciting season ahead.”
For 3pm kick off games on Saturdays in Inverness, the pre-match service departs Inverness Bus Station at 12.45pm and 2.15pm.
Post match, buses return 10 minutes after the final whistle and at 6pm.
Passengers holding an under-22 or senior citizen and disabled concessionary card can travel for free on the service.
For other passengers, a single journey is £2.70.
For Saturday 3pm games Bar 94 opens at 12 noon, with last orders at 2.30pm. It re-opens after the full-time whistle.
Buses will also operate for games that start at times other than 3pm on Saturdays.
Times will be confirmed in advance on the ICT matchday information post on www.ictfc.com or by contacting the ICT Supporters’ Trust.
Neil MacRae added: “As an organisation promoting active travel and the greater use of public transport, we are pleased to see a growing number of fans use the buses to get to and from matches.”
George Moodie, chair of the ICT Supporters’ Trust, said: “The bus service has been very well used since the club, supporters’ trust and Stagecoach came together to enhance the timetable during last season.
“We are grateful to HITRANS for giving the service this extra publicity, which we hope will not only increase the number of fans using public transport to access the stadium and Bar 94, but also increase attendances at home games as we look to support the club in its quest for promotion.”
David Beaton added: “With our North Scotland head office situated just half a mile from the stadium, our home is a short bus ride from the club’s home and our affinity with Caley Thistle is genuine.
“This matchday service gives fans a convenient, affordable and greener way to get to the game and we’re excited to be on board for the club’s journey this season.”
Leaflets for the Thistle Match Day and Ross County Supporters Bus can be downloaded here: