Magpies Pay For Extra Public Transport

Newcastle United have agreed to underwrite the cost of additional Metro and some local bus services on Tyneside this Boxing Day after the Barclays Premier League fixture with Everton at St. James' Park was moved to a later kick-off time.

The game was originally scheduled to start at 3pm, but after being selected for live television broadcast by BT Sport, it was switched to 5.30pm and will now end shortly before 7.30pm.

With selected bus routes and Tyne and Wear Metro services originally running until 6pm and 8pm respectively, the Club called a meeting with representatives from Newcastle City Council, Nexus and Go North East and plans are now in place to reduce disruption.

Metro services will now be in operation from Newcastle city centre for an extra hour on all routes, with final services at approximately 9pm on Saturday 26th December.

Fans travelling home by Metro after the game are advised to allow enough time to make their journey.

Go North East bus services on routes 10A, 10B, 21, 47, 54, 56, 58, 309, 310, Q3, Q3A, X1 and X30 will also operate extended hours with final services between 7.40pm and 8.20pm. Park and ride services to the MetroCentre Coach Park will also be in operation.

Nexus is also subsidising Boxing Day bus routes including the 27, the Quaylink Q1, Q3 and Q3A services, the 53 and 54, the 309 and 310.

Normal fares will still apply to passengers on all Metro and bus routes and Magpie Mover passes will be valid within existing terms and conditions.

Lee Marshall, PR and supporter liaison manager at Newcastle United, said: "Given the exceptional circumstances of kick-off moving to a later time on Boxing Day, we have taken steps to ease disruption for supporters and staff.

"We'd like to publicly thank Nexus and Go North East for their co-operation and meticulous planning, which mean tens of thousands of people will still be able to make their way to and from St. James' Park safely and conveniently."

Director of finance and resources at Nexus, John Fenwick, said: "Metro will be operating for an extra hour on Boxing Day due to the later kick off at St James' Park.

"This will mean there will be Metro services from the centre of Newcastle until 9pm, instead of the usual 8pm run off time.

"We have worked closely with the Club and other key stakeholders to ensure that there are sufficient public transport services available after the match. We are grateful to the Club for helping us to support the running costs."

Mark Ellis, development manager at Go North East, said: "We know how important getting the bus to the match is for Toon fans and we're really pleased that we've been able to work in partnership with the Club to deliver a transport solution for Newcastle United fans."

Please find a full list of final Go North East bus services departing Newcastle city centre on Boxing Day below: