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Chapter 10
10. Going Forward
10.1 Bus Park and Ride may, potentially, be one of a number of transport interventions appropriate for addressing transport problems and opportunities in particular areas of Scotland. They may not be a panacea for all transport problems, but where appropriately located and in the right circumstances, Park and Ride can make a contribution to delivering the positive outcomes which the Government seeks.
10.2 The responsibility for progressing potential Park and Ride sites lies with Authorities, although the consent or approval of Transport Scotland would be required where there are any potential impacts on the trunk road or rail networks. Authorities should take into account the following in considering either potential new sites, or maximising the potential of existing sites:
- Park and Ride/Choose sites can fit readily with the Government's National Performance Framework, National Transport Strategy and Bus Action Plan.
- The Government has previously issued guidance to Authorities about how a range of measures, including Park and Ride, designed to provide or support improved quality of bus service provision, fit with the NPF strategic objectives, national outcomes and performance indicators and targets. This includes the key performance targets of reducing congestion and continually improving high quality public services. It also reminds Authorities about how these measures contribute indirectly to a wide range of other NPF objectives and targets, and fit directly with the NTS objectives and the supporting BAP.
- The rationale for Park and Ride facilities, as an appropriate transport solution in an area, should have initially emerged from an appropriate objective led transport appraisal study, involving all stakeholders from an early stage, before any decision is taken to progress with the further development of these facilities. Scottish Government / Transport Scotland will expect that any proposals that may affect the trunk road or rail networks would have initially emerged from a completed study using STAG.
- Authorities should consider how any Park and Ride option can fit with other measures supporting improved bus and local transport services in the area or routes served.
- It is important that any Park and Ride option, where appropriate, fits into a coherent Local and/or Regional Transport Strategy for improving bus services. In particular there should be careful thought about how any existing or planned additional bus quality measures on the potential route(s) could contribute to the objectives of a scheme. Some examples that could be considered include bus priority lanes, traffic signal bus prioritisation, hard shoulder running and improved bus information and ticketing. In some cases implementation of a scheme could be associated with a Quality Partnership or Punctuality Improvement Partnership.
- A partnership and inclusive approach focussed on outcomes is essential to unlock the maximum potential for Park and Ride developments, where appropriate to address transport problems and opportunities in an area.
- The underlying approach for success in introducing effective bus quality measures lies in partnership. Each of the individual Local Authorities, Regional Transport Partnerships, bus operators and regulators/enforcement bodies has an important part to play in planning and implementing appropriate schemes.
- Partnerships should build on existing and planned work by RTPs for developing Regional Park and Ride Strategies/Action Plans.
- TACTRAN has already published a Park and Ride Strategy while other RTPs are actively preparing them.
- STPR includes positive recognition of the value and benefits of Park and Ride schemes. The STPR recommendations offer a clear framework for further development of Park and Ride at three strategic locations.
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