Great North Run travel ticket to go digital for first time
A new digital travel ticket which can be downloaded on to a smartphone has been launched for this year’s Great North Run.
A new digital travel ticket which can be downloaded on to a smartphone has been launched for this year’s Great North Run.
The Great North Run Day Rover, which gives unlimited travel on Metro, buses and the Shields Ferry around the event, is available to buy through the Pop App for the first time ever.
The new digital ticket is ideal for people who plan to travel by a combination of bus, Metro and Shields Ferry during the day of the run, which takes place on Sunday 13 September.
It is on sale through the Pop App now, with the £6.50 price subsidised by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness Mayor Kim McGuinness.
Metro operator Nexus said the product, which is available on both iOS and Android smartphones, will save people time and help beat the queues at Metro ticket machines whilst giving flexibility about transport options on the day.
It is for customers who may need to make multi-modal journeys and covers the Shields Ferry, buses, Metro, and rail services between Blaydon and Sunderland.
Customers just travelling by Metro should use Pop Pay As You Go on their phone or smartcard and will still have their fares capped at £5, thanks to the Mayor’s Fares.
Helen Mathews, Commercial Director at Nexus, said: “We are delighted to launch a digital version of our popular Great North Run Day Rover this year.
“This is the first time that the product has been available in this way. Customers can buy it through the Pop App and all their travel is stored digitally on their smartphone.
“It is ideal for anyone taking part in the event, or spectating, offering unlimited travel on Metro, buses, the Shields Ferry and some local rail services.
“For runners and spectators alike, it offers flexibility and will save you time in the queue when it is really busy. If you’re a runner, then you don’t need to worry where your travel ticket is after the race, it will be stored safely on the Pop App on your phone.”
A paper version of the Great North Run Day Rover, also priced at £6.50, is available to buy from Metro ticket machines ahead of the event. It is valid on the Tyne and Wear Metro, the Shields Ferry, buses in County Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear and Northern trains between Sunderland and Blaydon.
Nexus will not be selling its Great North Run wristbands this year, with the Pop App digital ticket option taking their place.