New research from Transport Focus, Park and ride for Highway’s England’s roads: a solution to congestion? gathered the views of almost 500 people about park and ride schemes in Oxford and Doncaster.
Those who were satisfied with park and ride reached 98% for local users and 86% for longer distance journeys.
Transport Focus research showed that the overwhelming reason for people not using park and ride was a lack of awareness. There were gaps in understanding of key aspects such as ticketing and frequency of buses.
Other barriers include uncertainty over journey time and negative assumptions such as the perceived hassle in comparison to driving or taking the train.
Those who did use park and ride found it made travelling easier, was less stressful and offered good value for money.
Anthony Smith, chief executive of Transport Focus, said: “People who use park and ride like it, which is a great starting point.
“Our research shows what Highways England could do, in partnership with local authorities and bus companies, to make park and ride a more attractive option than driving all the way.”
Pete Martin, customer experience director at Highways England, said: “We’re committed to improving road user journeys and as part of that we asked Transport Focus to carry out this initial research; to help us understand road user priorities for what makes a good park and ride experience.
“Park and ride has the potential to reduce congestion on our roads, while reducing our environmental impact, and this early research will feed into the wider body of evidence we and our partners will consider.”
To get more people using park and ride the watchdog recommends that Highways England should work with transport companies and authorities to promote the service and raise awareness on the benefits.