The final whistle has been blown on special bus services to Bradford City home matches because of lack of support.

The First Bradford service to ferry fans to and from Valley Parade was launched at the beginning of the season.

But last Saturday the four buses ran for the last time.

Brandon Jones, marketing officer for First Bradford, said the services were withdrawn because of a poor turnout.

"They didn't generate the interest we'd hoped. We ran three direct services to the areas where the vast majority of season ticket holders live but unfortunately they were not well used," he said.

The buses ferried Bantams fans from Buttershaw, Swain House and Bierley, and a service also ran from the city centre to the city ground.

Fares cost between 50p and £1.

Mr Jones could not give an exact figure for the number of passengers who had used the buses but said they were never even half full.

John Dewhirst, contributor to Bradford City's fanzine City Gent, said the news was disappointing.

"I thought it was a brave initiative but it's a shame that it's not been successful. It's difficult to change people's habits overnight. It's not a football thing, it's a social thing," he said.

"A lot of people will have a routine, perhaps they'll have a drink in town before the game then walk up to Valley Parade."

Shaun Harvey, managing director of Bradford City, said the club was working closely with First Bradford to improve transport for fans.

"Supporters will be using buses to get here, but they'll be using the normal services at various times before and after the game," he said.

He said the club would be looking at the possibility of adding extra buses to the existing services.

"We have about 18,000 people coming to the ground for each match - that's a lot of people coming into one area and we do have to work with supporters to manage the congestion."

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