BOOK HERE: https://zeelo.co/rides/wales-rugby
Zeelo will use data analytics to assess demand and send executive coaches on routes that currently have limited service, ensuring large numbers of fans, who may have previously had difficulties, a quick and seamless journey into the heart of the city.
Five initial routes have been confirmed, including one from Llandudno in North Wales, via Aberystwyth, and one from Bristol, with the further three routes picking up in the likes of Aberdare, Cwmbach, Mountain Ash, Pontypridd, Abersychan, Newport, Norton, Sketty, Port Talbot and Bridgend – but more will be added all around the country as supporters and rugby clubs register their interest in the service, with no location considered too remote if the required demand is met.
Routes created are as direct as possible, to minimise travel time, and currently include stops at rugby clubs including Hirwaun, Abercynon, Abersychan Alexanders Pontypool Cwmbran Bridgend Ravens and Llandudno RFC.
The service is not only cost effective for passengers (with current prices between £14 and £20 per person and from £12 concession across the four Southern routes), but each of Wales’ 320 member clubs will also receive a unique booking code to distribute.
Club booking codes, which will be valid until 14th November, give £2 off per journey and also activate a £2 donation to be made directly back to the club by the WRU for each transaction.
The first test for the new Zeelo routes will be Wales’ opening Under Armour Series clash with Scotland in Cardiff on Saturday 3rd November (Kick-off 2.45pm), but it will remain in place and evolve for matches on each of the following weekend’s in November – against Australia, Tonga and South Africa – and the trial will continue into the 2019 Six Nations Championship, when both England and Ireland are hosted at Principality Stadium.
Supporters using the flexible shuttle service must have sourced their own tickets first, but the good news for rugby fans is that tickets are currently still available, in limited supply, for all four Test matches this autumn, at www.wru.wales/tickets , starting at £45 and £10 U16s for Scotland.
All services are run in executive coaches, with all amenities on board and customers can track their coach arriving in real time on a simple-to-use app.
The drop-off and return location in Cardiff city centre leaves supporters within a short walk to Principality Stadium (just outside the normal road closure at the Civic Centre on King Edward VII Avenue).
“We are expecting great things from Zeelo, their interactive ‘smart’ service should be able to directly target problem areas around the country, where supporters find it most difficult to get to games, and also help create focal points at rugby clubs where likeminded travellers can gather to utilise this fantastic new offering,” said a WRU spokesperson.
“We are always looking at ways to improve the Principality Stadium experience and to ensure as many people as possible around the country are able to enjoy international rugby and this latest initiative should help do just that.
“With just 12 months and 13 matches to go until the Rugby World Cup in Japan, Zeelo are providing a unique service which will help the entire nation get behind Warren Gatland and his team.
“Our new partnership will be trialled at the Under Armour Series and 2019 Six Nations Championship and we expect it to evolve as supporter’s feedback is gathered and new routes around the country are added.
“We have a strong starting point with five basic routes supplying East and West Wales, Mid Wales, Bristol, North Wales and our Western coast, but we expect supporters and rugby clubs throughout the country to get in touch with Zeelo and show us where else we should be servicing, from the very moment the service launches.
“New routes can be added before the opening game this autumn, so our message to supporters who don’t see one they can utilise is: get in touch with your local rugby club, a little collaboration could bring the service to your door and the club will be rewarded financially as a result.”
Barney Williams, Co-Founder of Zeelo added, “This new service will help ensure that Welsh rugby is more accessible than ever to fans across Wales, as it looks to support fans who currently have difficulty travelling to and from rugby internationals at Principality Stadium.
“We are proud to be working with the Welsh Rugby Union to help get as many fans as possible to the stadium in a direct, hassle free and sociable way.”
Zeelo currently operates services for Premier League, Championship and Premiership Rugby clubs across the UK including services for Cardiff City FC and Swansea City fans.
Tickets must be purchased online at https://zeelo.co/rides/wales-rugby and your club’s unique promo code must be entered at time of purchase to claim the discounted journey.
For more information about coach travel to Principality Stadium, please visit: https://zeelo.co/rides/wales-rugby
ROUTES
Current routes and prices (concessionary price, U16s and over 60s, take a further £2 off if using a ‘Club code’).
All routes drop off at Civic Centre, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff (a short walk from Principality Stadium).
Route 1: Bristol – The Centre Bus Stop, Bristol – Grove Leaze Bus Stop, £20, £18 concession
Route 2: Hirwaun RFC, Aberdare – Canon Street, Cwmbach – Canal Road, £15, £13 concession
Mountain Ash – Railway Station Bus Stop, Perthcelyn – Hawthorn Terrace, Abercynon RFC, Pontypridd – Catherine Street, £14, £12 concession
Route 3: Abersychan Alexanders RFC, Pontypool RFC, Cwmbran RFC, Newport Queensway, £15, £13 concession
Cwmbran – Trussel Road Bus Stop, Newport – Queensway £14, £12 concession
Route 4: Norton – Oystermouth Square Bus Stop, Sketty – Sketty Cross Bus Stop £18, £16 concession
Fabian Way Park and Ride – Vale Neath Bus Stop, Port Talbot – Water Street £15, £13 concession
Bridgend Ravens RFC, £14, £13 concession
Route 5:
Llandudno Rugby Union Club, £50, £48 concession
Aberystwyth – Lower Park Avenue Car Park, £40, £38 concession
