Lights park and ride bus – a bright idea!
Date Published : 23 September 2008
Visitors to the glittering Walsall Illuminations have been urged to go green and use the park and ride bus.
Thousands of visitors are expected to the lights spectacular from September 26 in the Arboretum.
Motorists are being urged to take-up a bright idea and take up the option of leaving their car and using the park and ride scheme in Broadway North.
National Express – the new name for Travel West Midlands - operate the buses in conjunction with event organizers Walsall Council.
Nick Newcome, National Express traffic manager, said that part of the fun for many visitors to the Illuminations is jumping on the park and ride bus service that runs every year.
He said: “The park and ride service takes the hassle out of travel and parking for the Illuminations.
“It’s a fast and efficient way to reach the event. Young travellers in particular love finding their seat on the bus and hearing the chatter of other excited visitors. It’s the start of their fantastic night of fun.”
The park and ride is based half-a-mile from the Illuminations, on the Broadway North ring road and is fully signposted from all major routes into Walsall.
For people who use satnav devices the postcode is WS1 2QB.
Visitors park then hop on a double-decker bus which drops them off outside the advance ticket holders gate - a much speedier entry into the event. After a trip around the lights a return bus takes them back to the park and ride car park.
Councillor Louise Harrison, Walsall Council cabinet member for leisure and culture, said that the park and ride was a popular tradition.
She said: “It’s great fun jumping on the bus and the excitement and anticipation really does build up.
“It’s also a green way to travel and it’s a whole lot less fuss when you use the bus.”
Combined Illuminations and park and ride tickets can be bought from the sales office at the car park entrance which opens 30 minutes before the Illuminations opens the gates or they can be bought in advance from any ticket outlet.
Local buses also serve the Illuminations, from Walsall bus station buses 362, 394 and 396 go directly past the Arboretum.
To find out more go to www.walsall-lights.com or call 0845 111 2909.
Contact us
Telephone 0845 111 2909Website www.walsall-lights.com