There will be free car parking at four park and ride sites on the Tyne and Wear Metro network for three months from Monday 1st November as part of a scheme to attract back more passengers after lockdown. The Nexus owned sites at Four Lane Ends, Callerton Parkway, Bank Foot and Stadium of Light will see free parking introduced.
Although passenger numbers have now reached 80% of normal levels on the network it was felt that now is the right time to introduce this offer, especially with the Christmas shopping period approaching.
Huw Lewis, Nexus Customer Services Director, said: “Parking will be free for customers at four key Metro park and ride sites from 1 November as we look attract more people back to the network, and play our part in cutting congestion and improving air quality. Around 80,000 people a day are now using Metro and we are the fastest recovering light rail operator in the country, and we are we determined to build on that with this free parking offer, which is aimed at stimulating further demand post lockdown.
“It’s an ideal time to introduce this scheme as more and more people start heading back to offices and the busy Christmas shopping period gets underway. Park and ride takes all the hassle out of the daily journey to work. It helps to cut congestion, lower emissions and improve air quality, which is vital for the fight against climate change.”
These are the only four car parks at Metro stations which are included in this offer with those at Felling and Heworth still having normal charges applying seven days a week. Kingston Park, Regent Centre and Hebburn are free on Sundays only.