When the Ricoh Arena opened 11 years ago, many people thought it was strange that as the stadium was located right next to a commuter railway line, that it did not have its own railway station. With many people, including the Local Authorities, generally telling fans that they should think about travelling to games by public transport, rather than their own cars. Then the Ricoh seemed a perfect opportunity to increase the availability of public transport to it and help reduce congestion on the roads as well as reduce pollution at the same time.
The New Station and Platforms – 'Handy' for the Stadium
So when in 2011 when it was announced that funding had been secured to build the new station, then it was widely well received amongst fans. There was never any mention at the time that the new station would not be used for football matches, Wasps Rugby matches, in fact to be not used for any large event to be held at the Ricoh there such as concerts.
It was only last year when the date of opening of the station came closer, that it was finally revealed that the station would not be in use for events. This is because there is a lack of passenger capacity on the line, which is currently served by one single train carriage that has 75 seats, which runs hourly. Plus the station is unmanned.
With the Railway Station now finally open (and by the way its opening had previously been delayed a number of times), the bemusement amongst fans and the general public to this decision continues. You couldn't make it up could you?