Co-op Live has announced the extension of its integrated travel scheme, stating that one-third of the 400,000 visitors to the new Manchester arena from April travelled by public transport.
Co-op Live originally teamed up with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to aid travel to the new arena during its opening season of events back in March, with travel on Metrolink and new city centre shuttle buses included in all arena event tickets during the first two months of operation.
The venture was originally due to run from April 20 to June 30, but has now been extended through to the end of July. The extension of the initiative comes as post-event data indicates that more fans are opting to use the Metrolink network rather than travelling by car, and as Co-op Live anticipates that over one million fans will utilise sustainable travel options over the next 12 months.
It follows the recent announcement that The Climate Pledge has joined Co-op Live as its official sustainability partner and as presenting partner for the newly developed CityLink walking route.
The ‘CityLink Presented by The Climate Pledge’ walking route seeks to reimagine a fan’s journey from the city centre to the Etihad Campus, home of Co-op Live and the Etihad Stadium. It marks more than £4m (€4.72m/$5.11m) of regenerative investment in East Manchester, delivered in partnership with Manchester City FC and Manchester City Council, and promotes the use of sustainable travel to and from the all-electric arena.
Rebecca Kane Burton, interim general manager of Co-op Live, said: “We are over the moon to see the positive results of our collaborative sustainable travel initiative with Transport for Greater Manchester, and very pleased to be able to extend the offer of integrated tram travel until the end of July 2024 as we look towards over one million fans opting for sustainable travel options over the next 12 months.
“Alongside recent partnership announcements, it further cements our dedication to give back to the planet, to our local community, and to our fans, and I couldn’t be prouder to be working with such incredible businesses and organisations in doing just that.”
Fran Wilkinson, customer and growth director at TfGM, added: “More than 400,000 people have visited Co-op Live since the initiative was launched in April – with a third travelling by public transport. It’s great we can offer a safe, sustainable and quick way to get to the venue and we look forward to welcoming more concertgoers on board in July.”
Following its highly-publicised early teething problems, Co-op Live has now been open for business since May 14.
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