Somerset’s first park and bus facility is opening in Taunton on Wednesday with state-of-the-art electric buses running via the Orchard Grove development at Comeytrowe into the heart of town.
The Somerset Council facility is already used by residents and will now be open to commuters and other motorists with a free 200-space car park available.
Customers can use the scheduled, commercially operated 22, 22A and X22 bus services operating to and from Wellington and Taunton and travel on new, electric vehicles that are proving popular since their introduction. Normal fares will apply.
The new park and bus will complement Taunton’s two park-and-ride services that operate from Silk Mills and Taunton Gateway.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste, said:
People can park up and jump on a scheduled bus that will take them into the centre of our county town.
This service is convenient, avoids the need to find a town centre parking space and helps reduce our carbon footprint. We want to make bus travel more attractive and a real alternative to the private car.
I am grateful to our Orchard Grove Consortium partners for their support in turning an ambition into reality.
Peter Sadler, Managing Director of Vistry Southwest, part of the Orchard Grove Consortium, said:
We’re delighted that the park and bus facility we developed is now opening at Orchard Grove. This represents a significant milestone and demonstrates our commitment to creating a modern, sustainable community with excellent transport connections.
The facility will benefit not only our growing number of residents but also the wider area, providing convenient access to public transport. We’re proud to have worked alongside Somerset Council to deliver this innovative transport solution.
