New Park & Ride Boosts Travel Choices

Commuters and shoppers from the north, east and south of the county are about to get a cheaper, more environmentally friendly way of travelling into Taunton thanks to the new Taunton Gateway Park and Ride.  

Aerial photo of Taunton Gateway Park and Ride site whilst in development 

The site on the A358, just off Junction 25 of the M5, opens on Monday 16 November 2009. It allows drivers to leave their car and take a dedicated bus service into the town centre for a stress-free journey, without the hassle and cost of parking in town.

The average commuter could save around £70 a month by using the new Park and Ride instead of paying to park in the town centre. The service runs every 7 minutes at peak times and every 12 minutes at off peak times.

There are benefits for the environment too – switching from driving to using the Park and Ride five days a week would save enough CO2 per car to fill 22,100 balloons per year.

Councillor Anthony Trollope-Bellew, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Somerset County Council has invested over £4million to deliver this project as part of the long-term vision to reduce the growth of traffic congestion in Taunton. With frequent buses at a cost of £1.70 return, this new service represents a convenient and affordable way to travel into town.”

To view a video looking at the development of the site and the archaeological discoveries made along the way, visit www.youtube.com/yoursomerset.

For information about bus stops, times and ticket costs, download the Park and Ride Flyer [.pdf 2.15 mb].