Boost to Salisbury Park and Ride passenger numbers
The five services saw an increase in users in the run-up to Christmas
Salisbury's Park and Ride services have seen a boost in passenger numbers, following city centre roadworks and disruption since before Christmas.
Wiltshire Council encourages more visitors to use the buses from five sites in the run-up to the festive season, to avoid long queues for car parks.
Latest figures show a 41% rise in usage of Park and Ride in Salisbury, for November and December 2023, against the same period the year before.
Salisbury Reds even added extra buses and double-deckers to accommodate the higher demand.
The increase has also continued into 2024, with passenger numbers up 20% for January and February, compared to 2023.
Usage of the city's Culver Street car park also rose over the festive period, following a promotion push.
Wiltshire Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, Cllr Caroline Thomas said:
“Part of our Business Plan commitment is to build an efficient and effective transport network, whilst supporting local businesses and creating vibrant, well-connected communities.
“Salisbury is a modern medieval city which featured a busy festive period of events and activities. Combined with the opening of popular stores such as Bradbeers and Primark, and the independent stores on Fisherton Street, we knew that there was likely to be an increased number of visitors and residents looking to come into the city centre.
“We were also aware with the scale of the improvement works being undertaken in the city centre, that it had the potential to cause some disruption for people looking to come into Salisbury. With that in mind, we opted to promote the Park and Ride services, as well as Culver Street car park, to try and reduce inconvenience whilst still encouraging people to come and enjoy their visit.
“We are delighted that a large number of visitors and residents decided to make use of the park and ride service over Christmas, and also that a number of people are still choosing that as an alternative to driving into the city centre.
“It was great to carry out the joint campaign with Salisbury Reds and to see a successful Christmas and New Year period in Salisbury.”
Nikki Honer, Salisbury Reds general manager, said:
“It’s no secret that Salisbury is extremely congested across the city centre during busy times - especially at Christmas - and parking can be difficult to come by.
“A fully loaded bus has the potential to remove many cars from our roads - so we’re delighted that our park & ride services were put to such good use over the festive period.”