The Great North Run is set to return to South Shields for the first time since 2019 due to pandemic-related cancellations and alterations.
2022 Will see the first ever special £6 Great North Run Rover ticket and will allow both runners and spectators with the ability to travel on all Metro, bus and Shields Ferry services throughout Sunday the 11th of September. The special ticket will also include express shuttle buses which will be running from South Shields seafront directly to Newcastle.
The Great North Run Rover ticket can be purchased now either as a runner's wristband via the Nexus website or as a special advance-purchase paper ticket using Metro ticket machines.
Nexus who own and operate Metro, and bus companies have come together for the first time in order to speed up the queue which usually occurs as people head home from South Shields after the race.
In order to support the event, extra buses will be operating from the town centre's interchange as well as Metro services. The well-loved event has seen thousands of extra people using the public transport network in order to get around with Nexus reporting a massive 90,000 passengers travelling on Metro for the 2019 event.
Founder of the Great North Run, Sir Brendan Foster welcomed the new partnership of public transport companies in order to provide more efficient travel for runners and spectators.
Sir Brendan said:
“It is great to hear that the Metro and bus companies are working together to improve the experience of everyone who will be out and about for Great North Run.
“Whether you're a runner, spectator or volunteer hopefully this initiative will make it easier to get around on the day.”
Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said:
“We're delighted to see transport operators working together to provide a special one-day travel ticket for use on the Metro, Shields Ferry and buses on Great North Run day.
“We are always extremely proud to host the spectacular finish line and we can't wait to welcome it back this year.
“It is such a special event that brings thousands of people to South Shields seafront. Anything that makes the process of getting around much simpler and smoother for both runners and spectators is fantastic news.”
Steve Walker, Managing Director of Stagecoach North East and chairman of joint ticketing company NTL said:
“We're all looking forward to the Great North Run returning home to South Shields and we want to make it easier for everyone to get around.
“The new £6 special Great North Run Rover ticket can be used on all buses, Metro and the Shields Ferry throughout the day – including the shuttle buses which leave from Bents Park near the seafront.
“The new Great North Run Rover can be bought in advance as a runner's wristband at www.nexus.org.uk or from Metro ticket machines to help people save time on the day.”
Huw Lewis, Customer Services Director at Metro operator Nexus, said:
“We have got together with bus operators Stagecoach and Go North East to help people get home from South Shields smoothly and speed up the queues in the town centre.
“In addition to buses leaving from Bents Park as they have done in previous years, there will be buses leaving South Shields interchange later in the afternoon alongside Metro. Customers will be able to choose between Metro to all destinations and a bus to Newcastle city centre as they reach the front of the queue.
“Public Transport coming together for the Great North Run adds up to a better day for runners and spectators as we look forward to working with event organisers and South Tyneside Council to bring the run home.”
The special ticket is only valid for Sunday the 11th of September and includes travel on all local bus, Metro and Shields Ferry services for Tyne and Wear and also includes buses operated by Arriva, Stagecoach and Go North East alongside routes which Nexus provides for the area.
To find out more about local public transport, including diversions and alterations due to the Great North Run please visit: http://www.nexus.org.uk
