Operator takes over the service from January 26, with a frequency of every 15 minutes
Cardiff Council has awarded Cardiff Bus the contract to operate the Cardiff East (Pentwyn) Park and Ride service, currently run by First Cymru.
Cardiff Bus was the preferred bidder on the basis of quality and cost. The operator will manage both the bus service and the site itself.
The three-year contract will see Cardiff Bus take over the seven day a week service from January 26, 2014, with buses running to and from the city centre every 15 minutes. In securing the contract, Cardiff Bus plans to improve the service by extending the route.
In another improvement to the service, Cardiff Bus will bring in its new m-ticketing payment option for the all-day service, which costs £3 – or £1 for passengers who park before 0830hrs. M-ticketing can be accessed via Cardiff Bus’ free iff app, which is available on iPhone and Android devices on any mobile network, and allows bus passengers to browse, select, purchase and use bus tickets directly from their mobile phones.
Gareth Stevens, Business Development Manager at Cardiff Bus, said: “The Park and Ride provides a convenient, cost-effective, hassle-free way for those wishing to travel to the city centre from the east of Cardiff. We will ensure the high standards of service are maintained and will work with the Council to enhance the provision to the benefit of customers.”
Cllr Graham Hinchey of Cardiff Council said: “Since its launch in 2009, the CardiffPark and Ride service has continued to grow in popularity, with the volume of cars and income more than trebled in recent years. In the lead up to Christmas over 700 cars have being using this service per day.
“The new arrangement with Cardiff Bus will help the council to save £430k in the next financial year. Given the financial pressures faced by us and every other local authority in the UK it’s important that we look to new ways of working.
“The new arrangement with Cardiff Bus secures the EastPark and Ride service while making much needed savings. The new agreement also extends the service we offer, with the route now including Pontprennau and Cardiff Gate. Plans are underway to add additional services on site, such as car valeting.
“The site will also act as a strategic staging post for Rapid Bus Transit services into Cardiff City Centre. It demonstrates the Councils commitment in supporting a modal shift to sustainable transport, giving more choice to people who live and travel in from the East and North East of the City.”
The new contract adds to Cardiff Bus’ other Park and Ride service it currently runs from CardiffWestPark and Ride at CardiffCity Stadium.
