It is widely acknowledged that bus-based park and ride schemes constructed at the edge of the urban area can deliver disadvantages as well as benefits. The present paper considers how these disbenefits might be reduced. In the main it is argued that they derive from the typical level of user charges applied, the proximity of the sites to users' destinations, and the provision of dedicated shuttle bus services. An approach based on more remote location of the sites and integration of the bus services with existing public transport is appraised. It is concluded that such an approach will often provide a wider range of benefits whilst creating fewer disbenefits. It is further suggested that, given patronage levels equivalent to the 'high use' scenario considered, there is potential for a valuable revenue stream to be established.
Samenvatting