Yahoo News Euro 2024 fans can hitch a FREE taxi ride on England match days - but they'll have to look out for a specific cab
Football fans setting out to enjoy the Euro 2024 will be able to hitch a free taxi ride ahead of England's next two games as part of a bid to ensure the footie celebrations remain as stress-free as possible.
The free taxi rides, courtesy of Extra Gum, will run on Thursday (June 20) to coincide with England’s match against Denmark, and again next Tuesday (June 25) for the game against Slovenia.
People will be able to hitch an Extra-branded taxi ride in Manchester, as well as in Liverpool and London, on both days and get themselves a free 10-mile trip. In addition, the cabs will feature motivational pep talks from some of the biggest names in football.
Players Joe Gomez, Ezri Konza, and James Maddison will be on hand to give riders some pre-recorded inspiration and get them into the celebratory spirit for each game. There will also be complementary chewing gum available for the taking too.
The campaign, which will run from 1pm to 8pm on both days, first got underway during England’s victorious game against Serbia on Sunday (June 16). Launching the free taxi ride scheme in Manchester on the day was none other than ex-football legend Theo Walcott.
“I know first-hand the excitement and pressure that comes with big games like the UEFA European Championship,” Theo explained. “This summer I’m happy to help fans focus on the fun and excitement of the game rather than the stress of getting there.
“We all need a little lift sometimes, and this is a great way to start the match on a positive note, with some Extra Gum and a pep talk providing the ultimate pre-match me-moment.”
Recent research from Extra Gum found that nearly half of all England residents (45pc) are concerned that their ‘everyday micro-stressors’ will get in the way of their enjoyment of the Euros.
48pc of people said that finding a venue or space in a bar to watch the matches would be one of the biggest sources of micro-stress for them, whilst 43pc of people admitted to being partial to a bit of pre-match nerves.
Lucy Sherlock, Senior Brand Manager at Extra, added: “Our research shows just how much micro-stress can impact daily life, especially during big events like this. By offering free rides, we hope to give fans a moment to breathe, enjoy a piece of gum, and get ready to enjoy the England game wherever they’re watching. It’s about creating a better game-day experience with that extra little lift.”
To get yourself a free 10-mile taxi ride (from pick-up point), you’ll need to keep an eye out for the Extra-branded taxis, which will be making their way through the city centre on June 20 and 25 between 1pm and 8pm. If it’s got its light on, you can try and hitch a ride, but heads up: demand is expected to be high.
