A three-month pilot scheme offering local musicians half price transport home after late-night gigs is being launched in Manchester.
The initiative, launched in partnership between live music marketplace GigPig and Uber, will give artists registered on the GigPig platform in the city fifty per cent off rides home when performing at gigs that finish after 11pm. The music booking platform partners with over 750 artists and facilitates hundreds of live music gigs each week, and it is hoped the pilot will help late-night workers get home safely and save them thousands of pounds in transport costs.
It follows the launch of the ‘Get Me Home Safely’ campaign, which called for safe and affordable transport home for late workers and was initiated by Unite Union and supported by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. The campaign is centred around helping those who work late at night, who may miss the last transport services, travel safely without having to dip into their earnings.
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Michael Forster, CEO of GigPig, said: “At GigPig we support artists all the way. We know safety is a top concern for many artists and we’re pleased to be able to play our part in helping them access safe and affordable transport options home.
"The nature of gigging means that artists are often out late at night and we’re committed to implementing ways to support them to feel safe when travelling.
“Manchester has a vibrant night time economy which is dependent on artists performing in a variety of venues - footfall in bars, pubs, restaurants and clubs are all boosted by live music. We are sure this pilot partnership will be well received by the artists who are doing a brilliant job entertaining audiences across the city.”
Andrew Brem, General Manager at Uber UK, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with GigPig to help its music artists get home after late night concerts and gigs. Safety is a top priority for Uber, and with millions of trips happening regularly on our platform across the UK, we want to help everyone, no matter where they are going, get home at the touch of a button."
The GigPig platform, which gives artists free access to find, play and get paid for gigs in venues of all sizes across the UK, represents more than 3,000 live music performers and more than 700 in Manchester alone. If the pilot scheme in Manchester is successful, it will be rolled out to all 12 major cities where GigPig operates across the UK.
Two Manchester-based DJs, who have thrown their support behind the partnership, say the pilot will address "an all too familiar concern" for artists working late at night.
DJ and producer, Joe Roche, commented: "Currently cash flow and cost issues for our sector are being felt across the board, and it's nice to see GigPig identifying the issue and helping beyond the traditional means. This initiative addresses an all too familiar concern.
"There’s nothing worse than being on your feet for up to 14 hours on a Saturday doing consecutive gigs if you’ve got invoices which hadn’t been cleared beforehand - the walk home is completely out of the question and your bank balance is in bits. "
DJ Fry Ups, who secured a residency at Box in Deansgate via GigPig, added: “The majority of my gigs finish after 11pm, so I welcome this initiative. Not only will it help reduce costs but it’s also fantastic to know that myself and other artists will be able to get home via a trusted mode of transport afterwards.
"Safety and affordability are key considerations for me when taking on any gig and I know can be barriers for many others. I hope it's the catalyst for more artists feeling confident to book even more gigs in the city.”
Sacha Lord, Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, added: “Manchester has recently been crowned the UK’s Capital of Nightlife, by the Sunday Times. We’ve always been proud of our music scene and the city is known for it, globally.
"I’m delighted to support the incredible initiative and partnership between GigPig and Uber. We need to support our up and coming artists, to which the expense of travel can be a barrier. This initiative will pave the way for the next generation of artists."
All artists registered on the GigPig platform in the city will be given half price Uber rides home when playing at gigs that finish after 11pm. The offer will apply on all rides between 11pm and 6am up to a maximum value of £10.
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