Light rail just the ticket for Supercars fans

TIGHT SQUEEZE: Supercars fans on a Newcastle tram on Friday morning.

SUPERCARS fans have taken to Newcastle light rail on the opening day of the Newcastle 500.

It's the third year the city has hosted the motor racing event, but the first with the light rail in operation.

Long but quick-moving ques formed at Newcastle Interchange on Friday morning as those who alighted from trains waited to board a tram.

PACKED: Passengers alight at Queens Wharf.

Trams are only running as far as the Queens Wharf stop, where passengers must disembark and make the short walk to the precinct.

They are operating to a 7.5-minute frequency until 7pm tonight, when they will begin running every 15 minutes until shortly before 1am.

Travel on Newcastle light rail is free for Newcastle 500 ticket-holders.

NO ISSUES: The Queens Wharf light rail stop on Friday.

There appeared to be no issues with the city's public transport throughout Friday morning, with extra services running across the various modes.

Trains are running every 20-30 minutes from Maitland towards Newcastle Interchange, while Ferries are running every 10 minutes between Stockton and Queens Wharf.

There are also additional bus services on the city's frequent routes.

SET UP: Vessels anchored near the track precinct.

Race fans appear to be taking to the water as well, with a throng of boats anchored in Newcastle Harbour alongside the race precinct.

Temperatures have already reached more than 30 degrees in Newcastle East.

READ MORE

• LIVE BLOG: All the action from the Newcastle 500
• Behind the scenes of a Supercars team
  
• McLaughlin 'sorry' for critics after turbulent Supercars season
  

WELCOME ABOARD: Race fans transferring boats.