Enhanced park-and-ride services delivered in Bedford by SME bus operator Grant Palmer carried over 6,000 visitors to and from the Bedford River Festival over the weekend of 20 and 21 July, the business has confirmed.
Grant Palmer took over the Elstow park-and-ride service in February. During the festival it provided an additional dedicated 744 route in partnership with Bedford Borough Council that the operator says helped to alleviate traffic congestion.
On-site ticket sellers were deployed and the number of passengers carried represented a significant uplift from previous years, it continues. Another park-and-ride service was provided by Stagecoach from a temporary site at Mowsbury Park, with event departures until late on both days. Stagecoach also uplifted its Bedford town services on the Sunday.
Grant Palmer’s provision from Elstow park-and-ride site “played a crucial role in ensuring smooth and enjoyable access to the festival grounds,” the operator says. It adds that in 2022, the Bedford River Festival saw criticism for a poor provision of park-and-ride with insufficient capacity and delays.
Speaking about the successful operation, Grant Palmer Commercial Manager Thomas Manship says: “We are incredibly proud to have played a part in the River Festival’s success.
“Our team worked tirelessly to provide a seamless travel experience for all attendees, and the feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive. We look forward to continuing our support for community events and promoting sustainable transportation options.”
