Travel warning for Newcastle and Sunderland football fans ahead of transport strikes

Fans are being encouraged to plan their travel ahead due to bus and rail strikes on 4 October. Credit: PA Images

Thousands of football fans travelling in to Newcastle and Sunderland home games are being warned to expect severe disruption caused by transport strikes.

Staff at several rail services and Go North East buses are on strike on Wednesday 4 October, with many services cancelled.

Newcastle United's Champion's League match against Paris Saint-Germain kicks off at 8pm, while Sunderland are taking on Watford in the Championship at 7:45pm.

Members of the RMT, ASLEF and Unite union are striking in an ongoing dispute over pay and conditions.

Commuter headaches as first of two week-long Go North East bus strikes begins

The bus depots that are also affected by the industrial action include Hexham, Gateshead, Sunderland, Washington and Consett.

Newcastle City council have extended their opening times at several car parks to ease travelling pressures.

A Newcastle City Council spokesperson said: "We have extended the opening times at 5 of our car parks (Eldon Gardens, Eldon Square, Garage at Helix, Manors and Spillers) until midnight to help cope with the additional expected traffic."

Metro operator Nexus has warned supporters to plan their journeys ahead, and that the metros would be busier than usual.

Customer services director at Nexus, Huw Lewis, said: “Public transport is going to be really busy tomorrow evening and roads are likely to be congested due to the impact of bus and rail company strikes.

“Where possible please avoid travel on bus and Metro services to and from the centres of Newcastle and Sunderland from late afternoon onwards.

“We expect that the extra demand on Metro will mean that trains are going to be much busier than usual."

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