New Park and Ride service is up and running in Newquay
The 99 Go Cornwall Bus will operate seven days a week throughout the summer as part of a trial
A new Park and Ride is being trialled in Newquay across the summer, seven days a week.
Cornwall Council and Go Cornwall Bus are launching the service to help visitors park safely, easily and cheaply, before taking a convenient bus service into Newquay.
Officials hope the new initiative will benefit businesses and residents by helping to reduce the number of vehicles travelling in and around the town during the busy summer months, improving the environment for everyone.
Once open on Saturday 24th July 2021, motorists will be able to park at the site opposite Hendra Holiday Park on the A392 and then catch the 99 bus, which will run via Newquay Zoo and Newquay Railway Station, into Newquay Bus Station.
The bus service will run seven days a week until September 4th, starting at 8.30am from the Park and Ride site; the last bus will leave Newquay Bus Station at 11pm.
Buses will run every 20 minutes during the day and every half an hour in the evenings until 11.30pm.
Mark Collins, Head of Commercial and Marketing at Go Cornwall Bus, said: “We’re looking forward to seeing locals and tourists making the most of this new service over the summer period. A double decker can take up to 75 cars off the road, and with our state-of-the-art low-carbon certified buses, this service has the potential to vastly improve air quality and congestion around Newquay.
“We’re excited to be running this brand new service which is the first of its kind in Cornwall, and hope it proves a great success. At just £4 for a family of up to 2 adults and 3 children, it’s the ideal way to get around during the summer holidays and is a great addition to our other services in Cornwall".
Newquay Mayor and local Cornwall Councillor for Newquay Central & Pentire Louis Gardner said: “This initiative will make it easy and convenient for visitors to come into Newquay and enjoy all that the town has to offer. It will benefit local businesses because people who use the 99 bus service will be able to stay all day if they wish – all for a flat fee of £2 per person or £4 for a family".
Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport Philip Desmonde said: “We expect Newquay will be busy this year with many people holidaying in the UK and in Cornwall in particular. This is a good way to cut down on inconsiderate parking and is also better for the local environment with fewer vehicles coming into the town centre".
Kevin Towill, Cornwall Council local member for Newquay Porth and Tretherras, said: “Newquay is a thriving, vibrant town which continues to see increasing numbers of visitors each year. The new park and ride service will make it easier for people to plan their journeys, safe in the knowledge that they won’t have to spend time driving round the town looking for a parking space. It not only cuts congestion and helps the environment, but also encourages people to stay longer and enjoy all that our town has to offer".
John Fitter, Cornwall Council local member for St Columb Minor and Colan, said: “I certainly welcome the establishment of the trial Park and Ride in Colan Parish with a view to a permanent site being developed in the area as soon as the Newquay Strategic Road (NSR) is completed. The completion of the NSR along with a Park Ride will go a long way to address the traffic problems at the Quintrell Downs roundabout and it is for that reason that the permanent development of the Newquay Park and Ride in this area will not only help to address traffic volume in Newquay Town but will also contribute, on the opening of the NSR, to a reduction of traffic at Quintrell Downs".
Rebecca Blake from Hendra Holiday Park said: “We're very much looking forward to having this new service just across the road. This is a much-needed public transport service for both our guests and visitors to Newquay. Having the buses running every 20 minutes will be well received by our guests who often find it difficult getting in to and parking in the town. Having less cars on the roads will be a great help in easing congestion during the busy summer period".
The service will be signposted on the main roads into Newquay, directing and encouraging motorists to use the new park and ride.
It will also be promoted on the Visit Cornwall website and by Newquay BID, local businesses and holiday accommodation providers.
You can read more information about the service here or download the timetable here.