Park and ride with a difference sees an innovative concept set to cut car travel in the Lake District.
As busy half-term beckons, a new initiative is being launched to tempt passengers on board buses. A bargain £18 ticket for unlimited day journeys for up to five people includes car parking.
Offering significant environmental and cash savings, Park and Explore comes courtesy of GoLakes Travel, working with Stagecoach and South Lakeland District Council.
They are aiming to go the extra distance in a drive less and see more campaign.
Lake District National Park’s Visitor Services Adviser, Emma Moody, explained the pioneering plan included parking in the key honeypot locations of Ambleside, Bowness, Coniston, Grasmere and Hawkshead along with a bus ticket, at the heavily discounted fee.
She added: “It would normally cost up to £29 for a group ticket and day’s parking, so at £18 Park and Explore is going to be a very tempting option.
“With the best will in the world, we appreciate families can find it difficult to leave the car behind, but this way they can park up, ride, and be persuaded by a great day out.
“We’ve chosen car parks on regular bus routes, many served by the popular open-top 599 service, which provides a fantastic experience for families. It’s a fun way to get around, with amazing top-deck views.”
Stagecoach’s commercial manager, Michael Sanderson, said: “We are delighted to be part of this exciting scheme which has the potential to make a real difference to how people travel around the south eastern Lakes.
“We look forward to welcoming Park and Explore passengers and hope they will be encouraged to travel by bus in the future.”
Deborah Wright, South Lakeland District Council’s principal community spaces officer, said: “Since it started in 2011, GoLakes Travel has seen a 14 per cent drop in car journeys, 48 million fewer miles driven and, at the same time, a seven per cent rise in visitor spend.
“We welcome the launch of Park and Explore and hope there will be further reductions in car use as a result.”
