Figures released today show that 2024 was the busiest year for York’s Park and Ride since 2017.
The total number of journeys exceeded 4.5 million, almost one million higher than in 2023.
December saw the most trips for a decade, recording nearly 500,000 journeys, a 3.5 per cent increase on the previous highest monthly total set in December 2016.
According to City of York Council that equates to 61,700 cars not travelling into central York during December.
Cllr Kate Ravilious, the council’s executive member for economy and transport, said: “Just shy of half a million journeys in one month is an incredible milestone to reach, so thank you to all the residents and visitors for using the Park and Ride, and thank you to First Bus for increasing the number of buses available during this incredibly busy period.”
She added: “The numbers are phenomenal but we do also need to recognise that York still experienced congested streets in the run up to Christmas.
“So while we are delighted, we continue our work throughout the year to support and promote the city’s bus services as well as other sustainable forms of transport.”
She said the council will soon be consulting on improvements to the Park and Ride sites.
Kayleigh Ingham, commercial director of First Bus North & West Yorkshire, said: “The superb performance throughout 2024 is a tribute to the commitment and high standards of service delivered by the First Bus team.
“We’ve demonstrated that bus is an easy and sustainable way to travel into York. We’re attracting more customers due to good value fares, zero-emission buses, and our service, which is delivered with a smile.
“The benefits this brings, with cleaner air and quieter city centre roads, contributes to York’s environmental targets.”