Metro’s just the ticket for South Shields Football Club
Metro is just the ticket for South Shields Football Club, who took a well-earned break from their promotion push to mark the network’s latest landmark birthday.
The Mariners, whose 1st Cloud Arena stadium is right next door to Bede Metro station, presented Nexus with a commemorative shirt to celebrate the 40th anniversary of South Tyneside’s Metro line.
The shirt, which has ‘Metro’ and the number 40 printed on the back, was gifted to Nexus yesterday, add date, when South Shields players and coaching staff took a trip out on the system – part of a new bid to encourage more supporters to use Metro for getting to home games at the 1st Cloud.
Nexus, the public body which runs the Tyne and Wear Metro, said it was delighted to link up with the club to mark four decades of serving the local community.
Huw Lewis, Customer Services Director, said: “We’re honoured to receive this 40th anniversary tribute from our friends at South Shields Football Club.
“Metro plays such an important role in the communities it serves, and that’s particularly the case for the Mariners, whose ground is just a few minutes away from Bede Metro station. It’s situated so close to our lines you can even see the pitch from on board the train when you pass by.
“Many South Shields supporters rely on Metro to get to their home games, and that’s never been more so the case since the club has entered such a resurgent new era.
“Our thanks go to the club, the players, and the management for presenting us with this commemorative home shirt to mark our 40 years of serving the borough of South Tyneside.
“We wish them well for the rest of the season.”
Carl Mowatt, Operations Director at South Shields FC, said: It’s paramountthat we support each other from a business community, to help each other’s growth.
“From the club, we are growing in attendances, and as we are all doing our bit to help our carbon footprint, that we encourage our fans and staff to use public transport more frequently, in particular the Metro with easy access to the ground from Bede station in a five-minute walk to the entrance of 1st Cloud Arena.
“Our partnership is growing, with the continued support in sponsorship from Nexus and the ongoing relationship with the transport link and the club.”
Tyne and Wear Metro is partnering with South Shields FC for their last home league game of the season on Saturday 20 April against Southport FC to celebrate the Metro’s 40 year anniversary.
A bumper crowd is expected to cheer them on as they look to secure a place in the promotion play-offs in the National League North.
The club is encouraging fans to take the Metro to the game to avoid traffic congestion and the need for car parking. Metro customers can also save money with Pop Pay As You Go cards and helps them make a greener transport choice. Parents can also take up to three children aged 11 years old and under on Metro and the Shields Ferry free of charge as part of the ‘Take the Kids for Free’ permanent price promise.
The South Tyneside Metro line has carried 200 million Metro customers since it opened in March 1984, helping people get to work, education and leisure activities.
Nexus said the route from Heworth to South Shields was a key part of Metro’s story, one that has transformed connectivity in the borough.