Co-Op Live – the new entertainment venue due to open this April at Etihad Campus – has teamed up with Transport for Greater Manchester to provide public transport options to events in what is being described as a “first of its kind initiative”. Anyone heading to an event at the venue will have tram travel included as part of their ticket (at least for the first three months) whilst there will also be a shuttle bus service running from Etihad Campus.
The opening offer will be in place between 20th April and 30th June 2024 and will see anyone with a ticket to an event at the venue able to travel on any Metrolink service from four hours before and up to four hours after (exact times depend on the timings of each show). This is all part of Co-Op Live’s commitment to sustainable travel and is funded by the venue.
Co-Op Live and TfGM will also be introducing a city centre shuttle bus service. Buses – of which there will be up to ten per show, depending on the event – will depart from Joe Mercer Way at the Etihad Campus and arrive at Piccadilly Gardens. There has also been the development of the “CityLink” walking route which is a significant upgrade to the existing link between Holt Town tramstop and the Etihad Campus.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Co-op Live is an exciting addition to Manchester’s already buzzing music and entertainment scene and this travel offer will mean people off to enjoy a night out watching the biggest acts in music, comedy and entertainment can do so knowing they will be able to get there and back without any hassle.
“As we build the Bee Network we want to make it easier for people to make all kinds of journeys and this pioneering partnership between TfGM and Co-op Live is showing that in action.
“This is a big step to ensuring everyone can enjoy the city’s unrivalled nightlife knowing safe, reliable and sustainable travel is all part of the package and I can’t wait to get down there myself when the new arena opens in April.”