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Gillingham Football Club have organised coach travel to and from Priestfield Stadium to help fans hit by this Saturday’s rail strike.
Supporters can get to this weekend’s game against Mansfield Town on one of four paid-for services that will start from Ramsgate, Dartford, Canterbury and Dover, with several pick-ups on the way to the ground.
Southeastern has confirmed the upcoming round of industrial action by Aslef means there will be no rail services in Kent and no replacement buses during the latest round of strikes by train divers.
Aslef, the train drivers’ union, has announced a nationwide strike this Saturday as it continues its long-running dispute with the government over pay and working conditions.
In response, the Gills have now organised a service of their own for fans, with return tickets costing £12 for adults and £8 for under-14s.
Arrival time for coaches to Priestfield is 2pm and they will depart at 5.30pm, stopping at the same pick-up points. All bookings need to be made online, with e-tickets or printed versions presented to the driver.
Fans have been warned that no alcohol is permitted on the coaches.
The four coach services available are as follows;
Ramsgate Train Station 12.15pm with pick-ups from Margate Railway Station (12.30pm), Herne Bay Railway Station (1pm) and Whitstable Railway Station (1.15pm).
Dartford Library, Market Street 12.30pm with pick-ups from Ebbsfleet International (1pm), Strood, Coach & Horses (1.25pm), Casino Rooms, Rochester (1.35pm) and Chatham, outside St Barts Place, New Road (1.45pm).
Canterbury East Station 12.30pm with pick-ups at Faversham Railway Station (12.50pm), Sittingbourne Railway Station (1.15pm) and Rainham, Cricketers (1.45pm).
Dover Train Station 12pm with pick-ups at Folkestone West Station (12.15pm), Ashford International Station (Domestic side) (12.45pm) and Maidstone (outside Archbishop’s Palace) at 13.15pm.