West Ham United are reminding supporters that the popular complimentary Accessible Shuttle Bus Service is available to fans with both permanent and temporary accessibility needs.
Any supporter with a mobility issue can arrange a permit by emailing [email protected] at least 48 hours ahead of kick-off to secure their place on the innovative free Accessible Shuttle Bus.
Accessibility is a key commitment for the Club and we are proud to be home of one of the Premier League’s most accessible stadia. The Accessible Shuttle Bus is just one example of that commitment to affordable and accessible football, and already assists more than 500 fans each and every matchday.
The Club has recently increased the number of buses from seven to 12 on a matchday in order to meet demand and reduce waiting times, which are currently average less than 30 mins.
The buses begin departing two hours before kick-off, picking up supporters from platform 13 at Stratford station and bringing them within 50m of the Stadium - to Car Park Two, allowing access to Podium Level at the Stadium via the lifts in the Stadium Store.
To ensure the Accessible Shuttle Bus Service operates as efficiently as possible, all Accessibility Season Ticket holders and existing permit holders are advised that cards and permits will be routinely checked ahead of departure.
To maintain the smooth running of this valuable service and keep waiting times as low as possible, the Club would like to reiterate that:
- The Accessible Shuttle Bus Service is available for any disabled Season Ticket Holder, as well as one carer.
- All those wishing to use the Accessible Shuttle Bus will need to board the bus together and show their Access Cards. One card will show the disabled supporter’s name, and the second will have the carer’s name.
- Access to the Accessible Shuttle Bus is also extended to Claret Members with accessibility needs, who will have an Access Card with their name on it, and a paper ticket with a carer printed on it.
- All senior and infirm citizens will also be allowed to use the buses but will need to request a permit in advance in order to use the shuttle bus.
- Similarly, any supporter who is pregnant, or those that have a temporary disability (i.e. a broken leg) can also arrange a permit. Any other supporters with a mobility problem will have to produce a letter from their doctor or consultant confirming that they are not able to walk.
- All those eligible to apply for a permit need to email [email protected] at least 48 hours before kick-off. When emailing, please include the relevant match in the subject heading of all correspondence.
Supporters who are eligible and currently make use of the service will be emailed in advance of our home match against Manchester City to kindly remind that cards and permits must be produced ahead of travel.
The Club remain fully committed to assisting both home and away supporters with accessible requirements. We will continue to monitor demand at each home match, with the club keen to continue to improve wait times, which now average under 30 minutes.
Supporter Liaison Officers will support the ecently reinforced and dedicated accessibility team to ensure effective running, monitoring and reporting on queue times.
Anyone wishing to use the Accessible Shuttle Bus Service at future matches should contact [email protected] for further assistance.
For full information on the shuttle service please visit our Matchday Guide here.