Nexus has responded to Ed Sheeran fans' criticism at the Metro 'madness' following Friday night's concert in Sunderland.
The concert saw a record-breaking excess of 60,000 fans of the pop sensation travel to and from the Stadium of Light via various modes of transport, including the Metro service.
And although Nexus said that they added extra trains and later services to accommodate for the unusual surge of users - many were furious over lengthy queues and long waits while trying to access carriages.
Read more: Ed Sheeran Metro train service in Sunderland slammed after Stadium of Light show 'makes history'
Pat Ross, said: "Welcome to the Sunderland end of the Metro....we have this problem every time we have a big football match. I guarantee these delays wouldn't happen on Tyneside," while Amy Hounam, commented: "Transport was an absolute joke, took 2 hours to get there from Newcastle because of metros being dangerously full, to then be stood in what can only be described as a crush for over an hour."
Tracy Robson, added: "My son was working at the concert and he had a nightmare getting home on the metro and unfortunately has to do it all again tonight!!!" and Carol Matthews, wrote: "100% agree. 1 hour 20 mins wait to get on a metro and we weren't that far back in the line!"
Frances Dale said: "It was 2am before we got home.. show came down at 10.30pm. Total madness."
Nexus has today released a statement explaining the influx of Metro users, insisting that extensive measures were put in place to help provide a safe journey home for gig-goers in the area - with the same measures also in place once again this evening.
Huw Lewis, Customer Services Director at Nexus, said: “Metro saw its busiest night ever for a Stadium of Light concert as 60,000 people saw Ed Sheeran play the first of his two concerts. Our customer service teams, train drivers and control room colleagues did an amazing job making sure everyone got to the gig on time and could get a train away from the event afterwards.
“World class events always bring queues, and that can be frustrating but I would like to thank everyone for how patient and good-humoured they were.
"Most people I spoke to at St Peters and Stadium of Light stations last night were full of praise for the Metro team and what we were doing. We diverted an extra six trains to Sunderland on top of 17 we planned to provide after the concert and kept people informed and moving throughout the night with trains carrying on into the early hours.
"There were no delays or gaps between trains so although the queues were long they kept moving. The team is getting together this afternoon to review the night in detail and if we can improve the service we provide we will.”
Meanwhile many concert-goers took to social media to praise the Metro service during a frantic period with 60,000 fans leaving the stadium at once.
Diane Everett, wrote: "Metro service no different to match day. Its a 60000 seater stadium with everyone leaving together. Don't like it then don't go. Simples," while Charles Brook, added: "There will always be the moaners no matter. They just love something to complain about.
"They know there will be 60,000 people there which means there will be queues."
Samantha Scarr, said: "60,000 people is more than who would normally attend great north run day, everyone knows what the metros are like that day!" while Wendy Steel, commented: "People complaining about the transport yet 60k people leaving all at once... thats more of an issue with the volume of people and being impatient then the actual transport."
Max Hadfield, added: "I'm shocked at some of the comments. Metro did the best job they possibly could. Common sense dictates that it's going to be a challenge so take some responsibility for yourself."
Were you at the Ed Sheeran gig in Sunderland last night? What did you think of the transportation services?
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