Extra trains on for shoppers
MORE METROS DURING FESTIVE SEASON
NEXUS has announced that extra Metros will run during the busy festive season, including late night services on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
The additional trains in the run-up to Christmas are aimed to help shoppers, families and partygoers as they descend on the region’s shopping centres, nightspots and Christmas markets. They will be in operation throughout December which Nexus say is their busiest month of the year.
A normal Sunday service will run on Christmas Eve until about 6.30pm, with an hourly service thereafter (and a 30-minute service in Newcastle city centre) until about 11pm. On Boxing Day a normal Saturday service will run between about 8am and 8pm, but Sunderland station will be closed, with trains running straight through.
A normal weekday service will run from Wednesday, December 27, until Friday, December 29, with a normal Saturday service on Saturday, December 30.
Trains will also run to a Sunday timetable on New Year’s Eve until approximately 10pm then at a half-hourly frequency (and a 15-minute service in Newcastle city centre) until the end of service. There will be additional trains running to accommodate extra travellers expected around the New Year’s Eve Parade at Exhibition Park and the Town Moor in Newcastle. Metro Services director Chris Carson said: “The festive period is a busy time for everyone as they do last-minute shopping and enjoy days and nights out with friends and family. Metro is on hand to get you there – whether you’re trying to get hold of this year’s must have Christmas gift, going to meet Santa in his grotto, skating at Sunderland or Newcastle’s outdoor ice rinks, or taking in a show at one of this year’s pantos. “During this busy time of year, when traffic becomes heavier and parking can be difficult, travelling by Metro is quick and convenient. We hope the extra Metro services will help make life easier for our passengers, take some of the stress out of Christmas shopping, and allow them to make the most of the festive season.” The times vary depending on the train destination and customers are therefore advised to check times before travelling. For full information about service times, visit www.nexus.org.uk/metro/updates No trains will be in operation on Christmas Day and on New Year’s Day and normal service will resume on January 2.
We hope the extra Metro services will help make life easier, take some stress out of Christmas shopping Chris Carson