Rail strikes: Cheltenham bosses put on coaches for 20,000 punters as latest strike action causes Festival chaos
CHELTENHAM chiefs are laying on a fleet of coaches to help 20,000 punters make it to the Festival.
There are planned rail strikes on March 16 - the third day of jump racing's biggest meeting.
It will effect tens of thousands of racegoers who flock to the Gloucestershire town on the train.
But it's expected there will be disruption on the railways in the days before and after the planned strike day.
So Jockey Club top-brass have teamed up with National Express to help punters beat the rail chaos.
Services direct to Cheltenham racecourse are available from over 70 locations across England and Wales and racegoers are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.
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Cheltenham chief Ian Renton said: “Last week’s announcement by the RMT states that the next round of industrial action will include St Patrick’s Thursday at The Festival on March 16 as well as on March 18, the day after The Festival concludes.
“Every year a large number of racegoers rely on rail services to make their way to The Festival.
"We therefore thought it was essential to be as proactive as possible in arranging alternative transport options.
“We have a longstanding and excellent working relationship with National Express and the extra coach services they are providing should help ensure that racegoers’ plans are not significantly impacted by the RMT action.
“I would like to extend our thanks to National Express for their assistance in helping to make this happen.”
For further details and to book, racegoers should go to www.nationalexpress.com/cheltenham.
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