Park and Ride celebrates first birthday

The City of Newcastle's popular Park and Ride service turns one today after taking 20,000 cars off inner-city streets since it was first introduced in November last year.

A total of 21,389 passengers have taken the Park and Ride from McDonald Jones stadium to the City following its introduction during the light rail construction.

Monthly users have since more than doubled, with October recording the highest rate of commuters (2,500).

Lambton commuter Jordan May, 22, loves how affordable the Park and Ride service is.

On its first anniversary today, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City was pleased to see such a high uptake of the service.

"There's been a 111 per cent increase in usage, and 20,000 cars taken off the road, in the year since the service was opened to commuters," the Lord Mayor said.

"I encourage people to continue parking and riding, and ask them to sign up there colleagues and friends. With a return fare of just $2.20, the park and ride offers a fast and convenient trip for commuters to the city, as well as a significant financial daily saving."

The Park and Ride service was introduced last year in response to light rail construction and had more services introduced earlier this year to accommodate earlier commuters in the afternoon.

For Lambton commuter Jordan May the Park and Ride journey is a convenient, cost-saving mode of transport that she 'loves' taking every day.

"The reason why I love the Park and Ride service is I can catch it and I don't have to pay $15 for parking in town every day," she said.

"It's really simple, comes every 15 minutes, is really really convenient and I absolutely love it."

Buses make the return trip from the CBD to McDonald Jones stadium every 15 minutes from 7am - 9am and 3pm to 6.30pm, with CBD stops designed a few minutes' walk to wherever you need to go.

“The Park and Ride fare will remain at just $2.20, which for those that work 48 weeks in a year, means a reduction in parking costs of more than $1,000," Cr Nelmes said.

"It also helps free up valuable car parking for the customers that keep our city businesses ticking."

More information on the service, visit http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/parkandride