Wearsiders are enjoying their free time and making the most of what Sunderland has to offer, according to research by Sunderland’s longest established taxi firm.
Station Taxis, which handles more than 30,000 calls each week, has been keeping track of the most popular destinations that their customers are travelling to since January, and have produced a list of the most popular drop- off points throughout the city.
In compiling the data, Station Taxis excluded transport hubs, hospitals, health centres and educational institutions in a bid to find the most popular leisure and shopping venues.
The following top ten drop-off points are as follows:
1. The Bridges Shopping Centre, City Centre
2. Sainsburys, Silksworth
3. The Stadium of Light
4. Millview Club, Fulwell
5. Cooper Rose, City Centre
6. The Chesters, Chester Road
7. Asda, Grangetown
8. Hilton Garden Inn, Vaux Brewery Way
9. The Rosedene, Tunstall
10. Empire Theatre, City Centre
Andy Bradley, Centre Director at the Bridges was delighted with the news: “We were hopeful the Bridges would appear in the top ten, but to be flagged up as the number one taxi destination is great news and highlights how many people recognise the strong retail offer we have here in Sunderland
“It also showcases what a great loyal customer base we have and how we are undoubtedly the first choice for everyday essentials.”
Catherine Graham, Director of Sales at Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland, said: “We are delighted to be ranked in the Top 10 Sunderland destinations!
“People travelling to the hotel are enjoying our bar and restaurant offer. The Karbon Grill is becoming very popular we and hope this continues in the new year.”
Trevor Hines, Managing Director at Station Taxis, said: “As a company we have had a very successful year and we are very pleased that our customers are enjoying more of their time shopping and socialising within the city.
“With the ongoing improvements that are currently taking place across Sunderland, we are confident that this trend will continue, this giving a further boost to the local economy.
“It will also be interesting to see which new venues could make the list in the future!”
The most popular time for people in Sunderland to book a Station Taxi was on a Saturday night at 11pm, and more customers are choosing to book by App which has more than doubled over this year.