Co-op Live and TfGM to offer FREE trams and buses to and from new arena for all event ticket holders

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A Metrolink tram travelling at speed at night time / Credit: TfGM

Co-op Live has partnered with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to offer free tram and bus travel to and from the new area for all event ticket holders.

The groundbreaking initiative, which has been announced today, is the first of its kind in the UK.

Travel on the Metrolink and new city centre shuttle buses via the Bee Network will be included in all arena event tickets during the brand-new venue’s opening season from 20 April to 30 June 2024 as part of the just-announced initiative.

Under the new venue-funded initiative, fans will be able to use the Metrolink from four hours before, and up to four hours after (depending on the timing of each show) shows with a valid arena event ticket.

This will apply all four zones of the Metrolink, which should therefore allow people to travel at a time that’s most convenient to them – especially following the recent introduction of trams every six minutes all-day from Monday to Saturday, and later trams on a Friday and Saturday, too.

On top of this, Co-op Live and TfGM will also be introducing a city centre shuttle bus service.

The number of shuttle buses available will vary by event profile, according to Co-op Live, with a maximum of 10 buses per show deparing from Joe Mercer Way at the Etihad Campus and arriving at Piccadilly Gardens. 

Co-op Live and TfGM has partnered to offer free tram and bus travel to and from the new arena / Credit: Co-op Live

Bosses at the Bee Network and the state-of-the-art new venue – which is set to not only be the biggest in the UK, but in Europe – say including tram and shuttle bus travel with all event tickets will help to ensure fans can make a “quick and easy getaway at the end of the night”, no matter whether they’re heading back home or into Manchester city centre to enjoy further attractions.

“We are dedicated to ensuring easy and accessible transport links to and from Co-op Live,” commented Gary Roden, who is the Executive Director and General Manager of Co-op Live, as the new transport offer was announced.

The groundbreaking initiative will be available to all event ticket holders during Co-op Live’s opening season / Credit: TfGM

“We are delighted to be working with TfGM to offer this inclusive service for our fans for opening season.

“Coupled with the planning application submitted for a new ‘CityLink’ walking route from the city centre to the Etihad Campus, we are further demonstrating our commitment to the environment by encouraging more sustainable transport choices, and providing additional neighbour-friendly options to support increased footfall across East Manchester.”

To claim travel across the network, all fans must be in possession of a valid event ticket – which they will need to show on request.

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Find out more via the dedicated page on TfGM’s website here. 

Featured Image – TfGM