Travel warning ahead of Newcastle and Sunderland matches as strikes hit bus and train services

Metro users are being asked to avoid using public transport on Wednesday evening as football fans head out during ongoing bus and rail strikes.

Both Newcastle and Sunderland are playing at home on Wednesday, with the Magpies playing in the Champions League against PSG and the Black Cats taking on Watford in the Championship. The Newcastle fixture kicks off at 8pm while Sunderland’s game starts at 7.45pm.

Nexus is advising people to plan ahead and avoid bus and Metro services from both city centres from late afternoon onwards. Several rail operators are taking industrial action on Wednesday, while Go North East bus services are not running due to its drivers being on strike until Saturday.

Customer services director at Nexus Huw Lewis said: “Public transport is going to be really busy tomorrow evening and roads are likely to be congested due to the impact of bus and rail company strikes. Because of this we are advising people to plan ahead and avoid travelling in and around the two football matches in Newcastle and Sunderland if they can.

“Where possible please avoid travel on bus and Metro services to and from the centres of Newcastle and Sunderland from late afternoon onwards. If you do need to travel then please allow plenty of time to get where you are going.

“We expect that the extra demand on Metro will mean that trains are going to be much busier than usual. Anyone heading to the games at St James’ Park or the Stadium of Light should plan their journey in advance and allow themselves plenty of time to get there.”

Chronicle Live – Sunderland