Getting Away for the Day, the Greener Way

By AMY HUNT

FILLING the school holidays with productive activities to keep boredom at bay is a challenge for any parent.

With children to entertain and so many things to remember to take with you, how are you supposed to consider the planet or try to find a more environmentally friendly way of getting to your chosen destination?

Well, bosses at Nexus want to make things easy for you. They have produced a guide containing details of more than 100 attractions and events around the North East which are all within a short distance of a Metro station.

And their online Top Six for Summer guide gives families information at their fingertips on how to reach leading attractions by bus.

Andy Bairstow of Nexus said: "Kids travel all day for a pound anywhere on Metro, and the Nexus Under-16 Card for 40p tickets on buses is valid on weekdays right through the summer. That means if you’re a parent with a MetroSaver card or a grandparent with a Gold Card or CT pass taking the family by public transport will often cost less than a car parking space.

‘The large number of frequent, convenient bus and Metro routes means we can drop you right outside some of the region’s biggest and best summer attractions – go to www.nexus.org.uk or get a Great Days Out guide to find out just how far you can go."

Great Days Out guides are available free from Nexus Travelshops and Tourist Information centres across Tyne and Wear. The guide has special offers on entry to eight leading attractions with a Metro ticket, including Blue Reef Aquarium at Tynemouth and the Centre For Life while the Top Six for Summer gives details of attractions that can be reached by bus, including country parks, nature reserves and walks.

There are six attractions in each of the five districts that make up Tyne and Wear, one for each week of the summer break, so you’ll find plenty to do in your local area.

Nexus, a sponsor of the Chronicle’s Go Green campaign, wants to encourage people to think about more environmentally friendly travel in all aspects of their life.

Mr Bairstow added: "A growing number of people are turning to public transport for a greener and less stressful journey to work, but you can go much further by public transport – and if you’ve already got a pass it won’t cost a penny more.

"With larger family groups taking bus or Metro means not having to worry about squeezing everyone into a car, having enough child seats or finding somewhere to park."

"For children a trip by Metro or on the top deck of a bus can be part of the thrill of a day out – and it’s great value too."

Call North East Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 or go to www.nexus.org.uk for more information.

(c) 2007 Evening Chronicle – Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.