Specially-trained Virgin Staff staff offer support for football fans

Staff trained in conflict resolution techniques will be deployed by Virgin Trains to handle busy football crowds.

The operator will also provide dedicated coaches for fans aboard its trains, as well as bespoke catering packages. Stations will also be kept clear of clutter where possible.

New Event Hosts will concentrate on busy periods before kick-off, and after the games. They will be marked out in pink high-visibility vests, a colour identified as having a calming effect on crowds.

VT has introduced the measures following feedback from fans and other passengers, and has been working with the British Transport Police and football authorities regarding the situation.

The operator says that fans from 32 of the 44 clubs in the top two divisions use its trains, and that football fixtures affect 42 weekends. It says on average four sets of fans from different Premier League teams travel on VT each Saturday. It highlighted that when Liverpool play at home some 1,000 fans travel from the south of England, while 1,500 travel from the south when Manchester United are at home.

Last season, the operator ran an extra 39 trains for fans. That figure is likely to be surpassed this year, with 21 having already run. Where possible, VT will always attempt to operate 11-car Class 390 Pendolinos to cater for the increased crowd numbers.

VT Event Coordination Manager Gary Steele said: “Providing a better environment and engaging with them and other customers on busy days will help remove any points of potential conflict, and offer everyone a better customer experience and a smooth, safe and enjoyable journey.”

Chief Superintendent Allan Gregory, from the BTP, said: “This is an important step forward in helping to improve the experience of football supporters and other rail passengers alike.”