Employers are signing up for a staff travel scheme on Tyne and Wear Metro in record numbers after the Corporate MetroSaver ticket scheme was extended earlier this year, allowing smaller companies with fewer staff to sign up.
As a result, Nexus has seen a rise in the number of enquiries and applications for the scheme from both large organisations, as well as smaller firms. The number of members has risen almost 50% in the last year alone.
Since January, more than 65 businesses have now come on board, bringing the total of firms taking part to nearly 200, meaning many more people are now part of the convenient, money-saving travel scheme.
Recent take-ups have come from Northumberland NHS Foundation Trust, in Gosforth, Newcastle-based Scott Logic Limited and Status Marketing, UNW LLP accountancy firm, Bede Gaming Ltd in Gosforth and NEPIA, the North of England P & I Association Ltd.
Steve Lant, Partner at UNW said: “Based in Newcastle city centre we knew that introduction of this scheme would be of interest to our people. The staff at Nexus have been extremely helpful and the signing up process was effortless. The corporate cards are issued very quickly as and when we request them which gives staff the flexibility to join the scheme when it suits them and benefit from discounted travel.”
Liam Richardson, a UNW corporate Pop cardholder, said: “Signing up for the scheme was an easy decision for me, not only do I benefit from discounted commuting costs, I also save on time as I no longer have to queue at the travel centre every four weeks to renew my pass”.
Kerry Leng, Marketing Manager for Nexus, said: “We changed the scheme in January 2014 to allow smaller companies to join.
“The corporate ticket scheme gives you the maximum discount but you pay your employer back through your payroll, therefore you get the benefit of paying in regular instalments, rather than in one go. It doesn’t cost the employer anything. It’s the cheapest way to travel on Metro and also means you can use your travel card for leisure purposes too.”
With the number of journeys taken by passengers on the Metro having increased by two million in the last year, operators are confident that take-up of Corporate MetroSavers will continue to grow.
Emma Brough, DB Regio Tyne and Wear’s Customer Services Director, said: “Metro users are at the heart of what we do and by listening to what our customers tell us, we are always looking to improve and simplify discount schemes and encourage more commuters to travel by Metro.”
It is hoped that the Corporate MetroSaver benefits, which mean staff get unlimited Metro travel from £8.20 a week, will encourage even more people to take up this more affordable travel option.
The cost starts from £435 per ticket to £425 for having 40 or more staff in the scheme.
To take part in the scheme, all you have to do is buy discounted all-zones annual MetroSaver tickets for your staff, then recoup the costs over the year from their salary.
For more information email [email protected] or call our Corporate Sales Representative direct on (0191) 203 3225.