Oxford United says it cannot afford to run the Football Special 601 subsidised bus service, operated by Oxford Bus Company, from the city centre to the stadium next season.

The club has blamed the rising cost of fuel which, combined with dwindling passenger numbers, meant it lost £2,500 - or £96 a game - last season.

Single fares cost £2.50 last year. For the club to claw back any cash this year, passengers would have to fork out more than £8, which has been ruled out.

About 30 fans took the special bus to watch United's final match last season, but some matches saw as little as four fans buy a return ticket.

Trevor Lambert, of football supporters trust OxVox, said: "With a bit of creativity the club could do something to subsidise the buses or get more people to car share. A route for our fan base in Abingdon and Witney areas could be looked at."

The club is keeping its 602 service, which serves fans in Kidlington and Headington, and extending it for people in Summertown.