TICKET NOT TO RIDE?

From Nottingham Evening Post
BY EMMA STROUD

07 March 2003

Rush-hour stress could be a thing of the past - if commuters enjoy an evening out instead of heading straight home from work.

Nottingham City Transport has joined forces with the Evening Post, Profile Nottingham and Nottingham's new transport network, the Big Wheel, to launch a scheme encouraging people to treat themselves to a taste of 'London culture'. The scheme, which runs from next Wednesday for five weeks, offers people an incentive to stay in the city centre with free concerts and meal deals to cut the number of people scrambling out of the city centre at the same time.

Michael Judd, tourism manager at Profile Nottingham, said: "We would like to think that if the events are successful, the scheme would encourage a London culture in Nottingham. "It's about relaxing and not getting caught up in the traffic."

In London, many people go out straight after work which helps to stagger the rush-hour traffic. But the scheme is also about persuading people to use buses instead of cars to travel to and from work.

As part of the deal, people will be able to collect tokens for a free bus journey home after a Wednesday out in town.

The Evening Post will print an invitation which includes deals on meals and drinks at venues such as Nandos, Wagamama, Henry J Beans, Saltwater and TGI Friday among others.

Free events include concerts at the Pitcher and Piano in the Lace Market, where the Teddy Fullick Quartet will perform, and a night at the opera at the Playhouse Cafe Bar, where Opera North will sing.

Beatles tribute band The Fab 4 Beatles will also play at the Hard Rock Cafe on Queen Street.

Free offers can be had by collecting four tokens - which will appear in the Post between from next Wednesday

Mr Judd has high hopes for the scheme. He said: "I think lots of people will come along to support the scheme.

"We did a trial run last October. The Opera North at the Pitcher and Piano was very well attended."

If the scheme is successful, he said, bars and restaurants may be persuaded to launch more promotional events of this kind which will transform the city's culture.

There will also be deals on drinks and meals out at the Cornerhouse plus a free bus ride home on Wednesday nights.