Marvellous makeover for Park and Ride buses
2 February 2022
Chester’s Park and Ride buses have had an eye-catching makeover for 2022 to grab the attention of visitors and commuters.
Nine buses are used to run frequent services direct into the heart of the city from three Park and Ride sites at Boughton Heath, Upton (Zoo) and Wrexham Road. The buses are owned and operated by Stagecoach on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council.
The fresh new design is the product of Chester design company, Lemondrop Creative, and features a ‘Clean and Green Chester’ theme with a sky-blue base colour adorned with flowers and butterflies. Also incorporated is a nod to the City’s Roman heritage, horse racing and its famous Zoo. The aim is to encourage residents and visitors to access the City in a sustainable way, reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.
These vehicles, new in 2016, were built in Britain by Alexander-Dennis, and the first to operate in Chester powered by the latest ‘Euro 6’ low emission engines.
The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore said:
“Stagecoach’s current Park and Ride vehicles were due a ‘mid-life’ overhaul which usually includes a fresh coat of paint.
“The existing design has adorned Park and Ride buses since 2009, so the Council was delighted to accept the unique opportunity offered by Stagecoach to re-brand these buses with a new eye-catching livery.
“I’m sure they’ll attract lots of attention as they travel across the City. The Park and Ride service is quick, easy and cheap – why not give it a go next time you visit Chester.”
Matt Davies, Managing Director of Stagecoach said:
"The new colour scheme for Chester's Park and Ride buses looks great. It is bright and fresh and will catch everyone’s eye.
“With the benefits of using the Park and Ride including free Wi-Fi and USB charging, air conditioning, free parking and free travel for children, we hope motorists driving into Chester will be persuaded that using the service is a smarter, cleaner and greener way to travel.”
In addition to the new waiting room at Boughton Heath, all Park and Ride sites are currently being refreshed with a major vegetation cut back and the fitting of ‘real time information’ screens which will advise customers at a glance when the next bus is due.
Park and Ride services operate seven days a week, an ‘all day’ ticket costs just £2 per passenger, and up to three children under 16 travel free with an adult. Regular travellers can buy a ‘£10 Ticket Bundle’ which offers six days’ travel for the price of five. Payment can be made from the ticket machines on site, or to save hunting for change, simply pay the driver with your ‘contactless’ card.
More information on the Park and Ride can be found on the Council’s website.
