Today, Co-op Live and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) revealed the extension of their innovative sustainability program.
Under this program, thousands of ticket holders have enjoyed free, integrated travel across the Metrolink tram network included in their ticket price. It will now continue until the end of July 2024.
Co-op Live is a huge indoor arena in Manchester just opened in 2024. It is the UK's only music-first arena, offering the largest floor space of any indoor venue, a significantly lower ceiling, and tiered seating that brings fans closer to the artists.
With funding from the venue, fans with a valid arena event ticket can use the Metrolink from four hours before, and up to four hours after the show. (Depending on the timing of each show). The scheme allows people to travel at the time most convenient to them, as it operates across all four Metrolink zones.
Metrolink is a tram/light rail system owned by Transport for Greater Manchester. The network has 99 stops along 64 miles of standard-gauge track, making it the most extensive light rail system in the United Kingdom. Over the 2022/23 financial year, there were 36 million passenger journeys on the system.
Co-op Live also encourages fans to use their recently redeveloped walking route, CityLink, which connects Piccadilly Station to the Etihad Campus, home of Co-op Live and the Etihad Stadium. It is only a 25-minute walk.
The Climate Pledge, a fund set up to develop and manage investments in climate technology, has joined Co-op Live as its official sustainability partner and as presenting partner for the CityLink walking route.
Post-event data proves that more fans are opting to get to and from Co-op Live using the Metrolink network rather than by private car.
Co-op Live anticipates that over a million fans will utilise sustainable travel options over the next 12 months, so they can certainly claim credit for their sustainability initiatives.
Fans can access relevant event travel information on the dedicated page on TfGM's website.
Metrolink has reported that May 2024 was the tram network's busiest-ever month.
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 1M 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.
Rebecca Kane Burton, Interim General Manager, Co-op Live
