Unlimited travel on Metro, the Shields Ferry and Northern Rail services between Newcastle and Sunderland from 9.30am Monday-Friday and all day at weekends, on public holidays and throughout July and August with a Metro Gold Card.
What is a Gold Card?
If you have a Concessionary Travel Pass, you can apply for a Metro Gold Card which gives you a year’s travel on Metro, the Shields Ferry and on Northern Rail services between Newcastle and Sunderland.
If you have one of the following CT passes you will be issued with a smart ticket which will be loaded on to your CT pass directly:
- Tyne and Wear Elderly CT Pass
- Tyne and Wear Disabled CT Pass
- Tyne and Wear Disabled Blind CT Pass
- Non Tyne and Wear CT Pass
When you buy your Gold Card we will give you a reminder slip to let you know when your Gold Card is due to expire.
If you have one of the following CT passes you will be issued with a paper Gold Card:
- Tyne and Wear Disabled Temporary CT Pass
- CT Passes with less than one year validity remaining before expiry
We will contact you in future if you have a paper ticket to convert it to a smart ticket so you can open the ticket gates.
When can I use a Metro Gold Card?
You can travel on Metro, the Shields Ferry and Northern Rail services between Newcastle and Sunderland at the same times as your CT Pass is valid. So if you have an Off Peak CT Pass you can travel from 9.30am Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and on public holidays. You can also use your Gold Card all day throughout July and August.
If you have an All Day CT Pass you can travel at any time.
How much is a Metro Gold Card?
The price of a Metro Gold Card depends on where you live. For Tyne and Wear residents the price is £25 per year. For those living outside of Tyne and Wear the price is £35 per year.
Where can I buy a Metro Gold Card?
Simply take your Concessionary Travel Pass to any Nexus TravelShop. You can pay using cash, debit or credit card. In future you will be able to purchase a Gold Card at a ticket machine at any Metro station - we’ll let you know when this is available. Please note that your Metro Gold Card is non-refundable.
When can I renew my Metro Gold Card?
You can renew your Metro Gold Card up to 7 days before your current pass expires.
How do I use a Metro Gold Card?
On Metro – show an inspector your Metro Gold Card (or CT Pass if you have been issued a smart Gold Card) when requested. You must pay the full adult fare if travelling before 9.30am except throughout July and August.
On the Shields Ferry - show the ferry operator your Metro Gold Card (or CT Pass if you have been issued a smart Gold Card) when you board. You must pay the full adult fare if travelling before 9.30am except throughout July and August.
On Northern Rail services between Newcastle and Sunderland – if you have a paper Gold Card which has the expiry date printed on it you can show this to the conductor when requested. If you have been issued a smart Gold Card which has been loaded on to your CT Pass you will require a special ticket which can be obtained on request from any Nexus TravelShop. This will tell the conductor the expiry date of the smart ticket on your CT Pass.
Can I use it to travel to early hospital appointments?
Yes, if you have an Off Peak CT Pass and need to travel before 9.30am in order to get to or from a hospital appointment, just show your hospital appointment card or letter with your Metro Gold Card when requested. If you have been issued with a smart Gold Card, you should provide your CT Pass for inspection by Metro Staff who will use a card reader to check the Gold Card ticket on your pass.
What happens if I lose my Gold Card?
If you lose your paper Gold Card and wish to replace it you must do so by purchasing a new Gold Card at a TravelShop. If you were issued with a smart Gold Card ticket on your CT Pass and you have lost your CT pass you should report this to Nexus immediately. You will be issued with a new CT Pass (charge of £5) however you must take your CT Pass to a TravelShop to buy a new Gold Card. In both cases your new Gold Card will be valid for 365 from the day of purchase and will not expire on the date of the original Gold Card which you have lost.
How do I check the expiry of my Gold Card?
If you have a paper Gold Card the expiry date of the product will be printed on the ticket. If you have a Gold Card loaded on to your CT Pass you will be issued with a reminder slip stating the expiry date. From April you can also check this at ticket machines on Metro platforms by touching your CT pass on the orange reader located to the right of the touch screen.
Who can use my Gold Card?
Only you are allowed to use your Gold Card. It is not transferable. If you have a Companion CT Pass you may travel accompanied by one person however the ticket is for yourself and your companion only.
