The iconic Metro logo has been transformed into a cartoon character to promote travel on the system on days out during the school summer holidays.
The world famous yellow Metro cube has become a cute and cuddly Metro mascot, featuring in a new TV advertising campaign for Metro and at a range of local visitor attractions over the coming weeks.
Metro’s friendly new cartoon character, who has yet to be named, will be meeting visitors at the Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle this weekend and at other venues over the summer break, including the Life Science Centre and Seven Stories National Centre for Children’s Books.
Emma Brough, Customer Service Director at DB Regio Tyne and Wear, which operates the Metro on behalf of Nexus, said: “We’re encouraging our customers to make a day of it on Metro this summer by exploring as many of the fantastic places to go and visit in our region.
“Our new Metro mascot, who also features in our new television advert, will be out and about at venues this summer to keep the children entertained. The Great North Museum: Hancock is a great place to start.
“Travelling by Metro is a hassle-free way to get around and as kids under five travel free, it’s great value for families looking to make the most of their summer holidays.”
The Metro mascot will be meeting visitors at the Great North Museum: Hancock on Saturday 18, Sunday 19 and Monday 20 July.
Children will be able to have a photo taken with the larger-than-life character between 11am and 3pm each day and pick up a free kids’ activity pack. The Metro team will also be handing out spot prizes and sharing tips for things to do this summer.
This weekend, visitors to the Great North Museum: Hancock who have a valid Metro ticket or pass can save on entry to the Planetarium. Show your valid Metro ticket or Pop card at the museum to get £1 off adult entry and kids pay just £1. This weekend you can also get 10% off drinks in the museum café with your valid Metro ticket or Pop card.
Dr Sarah Glynn, Manager of the Great North Museum: Hancock, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Metro’s friendly character to the museum. We’re only two minutes away from Haymarket Metro station which makes it very easy to visit us. We’re very excited this summer as our brand new family exhibition Spineless – all about the awesome world of invertebrates - opens on Saturday 1 August until 1 November.”
As seen in the new advert, Metro’s friendly character will be meeting families and handing out free activity packs and spot prizes at the following locations during the holidays:
• Great North Museum: Hancock – July 18 to July 20 July (11am to 3pm)
• Blue Reef Aquarium – July 24 to July 26 (11am to 3pm)
• Ocean Beach Pleasure Park – July 31 to August 2(11am to 3pm)
• Seven Stories, the National Centre for Books – August 8 (11am to 3pm) and August 9 (10am to 1pm)
• National Glass Centre – August 13 to August 15 (11am to 3pm)
• Life Science Centre – August 21 to August 23 (11am to 3pm)
• Bill Quay Community Farm – August 28 to August 30 (11am to 3pm)
Click here for more information about Metro's summer campaign and special offers.