Free evening Park & Ride trips being offered to city’s visitors

Visitors heading into Bath later this month will be able to use the city’s Park & Ride services for free in the evenings, thanks to a new offer from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).

From Monday 19th to Saturday 24th January, all return journeys after 5pm from the Lansdown, Newbridge and Odd Down Park & Ride sites will be free.

Buses on services 21 (Newbridge), 31 (Lansdown) and 41 (Odd Down) will run until 11.30pm, giving people the chance to enjoy an evening out without needing to park in the city centre.

Since the spring, the regional authority has invested £250,000 to extend and increase the frequency of Park & Ride services, which previously ended at 8.30pm. Buses now run every 15 minutes, with last departures from Bath city centre at 11.30pm.

Further details are available at www.travelwest.info/freep&r

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “We want to give people heading into Bath the opportunity to see for themselves just how easy it is to use our Park & Ride services.

“There’s no need to sign up or register, simply park up at Lansdown, Newbridge, or Odd Down and then hop on the bus for free from there.”

Councillor Manda Rigby, B&NES Council’s cabinet member for communications and community, added: “Following the success of the evening extension implemented last April, it’s now even easier to experience Bath with free Park & Ride return journeys after 5pm between 19 and 24 January from Lansdown, Newbridge and Odd Down.

“With services running until 11.30pm – and Bath’s Park & Ride rated second best in the country for a third year in succession – it’s a simple, sustainable way to enjoy our city’s culture.

“From performances at the Theatre Royal, gigs at The Forum and Komedia, and our outstanding independent restaurants, bars and cinemas without needing to park in the city centre.”

Rob Pymm, Commercial Director at First Bus, West of England & Wales, said: “This is a great way for visitors and local people to get into Bath and enjoy everything the city has to offer.

“Using the Park & Ride saves the hassle and cost of parking and by reducing car journeys into the city, helps to relieve congestion, create cleaner air and bring benefits for all road users.

“We’re delighted to be supporting the scheme and look forward to welcoming everyone on board.”