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A three-month pilot scheme offering local musicians half price transport home after late-night gigs is being launched in Manchester, thanks to a partnership between live music marketplace 51������ and Uber.

The initiative will offer all artists registered on the 51������ platform in the city 50% off rides home when performing at gigs that finish after 11pm. With 51������ partnering with over 750 artists and facilitating hundreds of live music gigs each week, the pilot will help late night workers get home safely and save them thousands of pounds in transport costs.

The partnership follows on from the ‘Get Me Home Safely’ campaign, which calls for safe, 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 late night workers to travel safely without having to dip into their earnings.

Michael Forster, CEO of 51������, said: “At 51������ 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, Uber UK said: “We are delighted to be partnering with 51������ 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."

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 51������ 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.”

The 51������ 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 51������ operates across the UK.

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