Who do you think will reach the city centre first - Metro or Car?
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Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 October will see Tyne and Wear Metro race across North/ South Tyneside and into Newcastle/ Sunderland City Centre in a ‘Top Gear’ inspired challenge against a member of the public driving the same journey in a Metro branded car.
‘My Metro Challenge’ has been organised to compare the average commuter’s journey to work during rush hour, on Metro and in a car. The first participant to arrive at the Grey’s Monument / The Bridges finishing line will win the race, confirming the quickest way to commute across Tyne and Wear.
Sharon Kelly, Customer Services Director at Metro Operator DB Regio will be travelling on Metro with a member of the public driving the Metro-branded car. Both journeys will be filmed to capture any potential delays, waiting times or traffic jams.
Sharon Kelly said: “Commuting to work can be a stressful start to your day and many people differ in opinions about which method is the quickest, most cost effective and convenient way to travel. ‘My Metro Challenge’ aims to demonstrate once and for all, which mode of transport can work best for you.
"There are a number of factors which can affect the timing of both a Metro and car journey, from traffic jams on the roads to the number of people getting on and off a Metro, so it will be interesting to see which one wins. For people on the road keep your eyes peeled for the branded Metro car which will be mid-race!”
The race will start at Monkseaton Metro station at 8.20am on Monday and from Fellgate Metro station on Tuesday, peak time for commuter travel, and travel towards Monument / Sunderland Metro station.
The time will ultimately determine the winner of the challenge but each journey will be also be costed up. For example, the car journey will need to consider the cost of petrol and parking in the City Centre and the Metro journey will need to factor in the price of a ticket.
The driver of the Metro branded car, Phil said: “I tend to drive everywhere; I do think it’s quicker as you don’t have to wait at each station for people to get on and off, or be reliant on a Metro turning up on time. Parking may be a bit expensive but I feel it is sometimes worth the convenience. I think it will be interesting to see which will travel the same distance in the shortest period of time, a car or Metro train”.
For more information on ‘My Metro Challenge’ or to back your winner, visit Metro’s Facebook page