Extra Metro services for the Ed Sheeran concerts at the Stadium of Light
The Tyne and Wear Metro is geared up for two of its biggest nights of the year when thousands of fans use the network for the Ed Sheeran concerts at the Stadium of Light this weekend.
Metro operator, Nexus, is expecting its busiest couple of days for more than three years and will be running dozens of extra services before the concerts - which take place on Friday June 3 and Saturday June 4.
Trains will be running beyond the normal end of service to help people get home to all parts of the system.
Customers are advised to leave plenty of time to get to Sunderland before the concert, and rely on Metro to get home afterwards.
There is a dedicated Ed Sheeran button on Metro ticket machines which makes it easy to purchase a £5.70 day ticket in advance. Customers can use the same ticket all day for the date of their show, which means they won’t need to queue up at ticket machines after the concert.
Metro Operations Director, John Alexander, said: “The operation we have in place for the Ed Sheeran concerts is the biggest of its kind in the country this weekend. We are expecting our busiest two days of the year so far, and we will be running Metros beyond the end of normal service to ensure that concert goers can get home.
“It is fantastic that Sunderland is welcoming Ed Sheeran at Stadium of Light and we are proud that Metro is to play a part in such big events for our region.
“My advice to customers is to leave plenty of time for your journey as Metro trains will be busy and to purchase a the dedicated Ed Sheeran day tickets in advance, which is valid for the whole day, to avoid queuing at ticket machines after the concert.
“We will have lots of customer support teams on hand at stations in Newcastle city centre and at stations heading towards Sunderland before each concert, and staff at stations in Sunderland after the concerts who will be able to provide advice and assistance to ensure that fans get to the venue and home quickly and safely.
“The Stadium of Light is only a short walk or Metro ride from Sunderland city centre with many exciting bars and restaurants, so there’s every reason to travel early and make it a big day out in Sunderland on the bank holiday weekend.
“The extra and extended Metro services will help make life easier for our customers and allow them to make the most of their experience seeing the Ed Sheeran performing live.”
Customers should use either Stadium of Light or St Peter’s Metro stations before and after the concerts as both of these stations are within a ten minute walk of the Stadium of Light.
After the concert ends the Metro stations will be busy. Queuing systems will be in place for safety reasons at Stadium of Light and St Peter’s. Listen out for station announcements and guidance as staff get customers onto trains safely and as quickly as possible.
For regular travel updates regarding Tyne and Wear Metro follow @My_Metro on Twitter, find Metro on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mymetrotw, call Nexus on 0191 20 20 747 or visit www.nexus.org.uk/metro