Member Article

Bus Fan Alfie Launches Movie Makeover Metrocentre Buses

A number of Stagecoach North East’s Metro 100 buses have undergone a ‘movie makeover’ in a joint promotion with intu Metrocentre and to celebrate the new look, young bus fan 11-year-old Alfie Gascoigne from Gateshead was invited to cut the ribbon to mark the launch.

Alfie wrote to Stagecoach North East recently to say that he really wants to be a bus driver, and was very excited to be involved in the occasion. He said: “It is my biggest dream in the whole wide world. I often ride the Metrocentre 100 service bus from Central Station and I hope to be a bus driver soon as I love Stagecoach buses.

“The best part was meeting some lovely people from Stagecoach and intu, even though the weather was bad! I felt very proud to launch the new Metrocentre 100 and loved the new design. It was a brilliant experience and I am looking forward to riding the new buses.”

Working in partnership with intu Metrocentre, Stagecoach North East has rebranded five of its Metrocentre 100 buses with cinema-themed rear vinyls for the shuttle service, which runs from Newcastle city centre to the popular shopping and retail destination.

The Metrocentre 100 offers a fast shuttle service, with its high frequency and short journey time. With buses running every eight to 12 minutes and seven days a week, passengers can enjoy shopping, a relaxing meal and a movie every day.

Colin Newbury, Operations Director, Stagecoach North East, said: “We were delighted to welcome young Alfie along to celebrate the newly branded buses and hope he enjoyed his first ribbon cutting! As the Metrocentre 100 buses deliver the most frequent and direct link between the city and intu Metrocentre, they offer the perfect opportunity for Christmas shopping, festive fun and a great day out for the whole family leading up and to and over the seasonal holidays.”

intu’s Regional Sustainable Travel Manager, Dr Gareth Evans, said: “Fast and convenient, buses are an essential part of our operations – we know at least 25 percent of guests and 50 percent of staff use them to arrive at intu Metrocentre. It was really great to be involved with the launch of the new branding of the 100s, showcasing the variety of fun activities you can enjoy, all under one roof!”

To mark the unveiling of the new liveried bus service, competitions will be launched on Twitter from Stagecoach North East and intu with a chance to win £100 worth of shopping vouchers and a month’s free travel. As the countdown to Christmas begins, shoppers in Newcastle and Gateshead can make the most of the festivities with prizes including a £100 gift card - which can be spent across a wide range of stories, restaurants and leisure facilities - and 28-day megarider worth almost £50.

intu Metrocentre is one of Europe’s largest shopping and leisure centres, with over 300 shops gathered under one roof, including famous high-street names such as Marks and Spencer, Next, Debenhams and House of Fraser. There are hundreds of specialist stores including designer retailers Tessuti and Flannels, as well as leisure facilities and restaurantsin the newly-developed Qube and a 12-screen ODEON IMAX 3D cinema.

To travel to intu Metrocentre (Stand M), buses can be picked up at Blackett Street (opposite Boots), Pilgrim Street (opposite the cinema) and Central Station (Neville Street). Return journeys from intu Metrocentre go directly to Blackett Street. The Metrocentre 100 service takes only 15 minutes during the day, with easy access for prams and wheelchairs.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kathryn Clapham .