Stirling park and ride in line for expansion

Sep 11 2009 by Iain Howie, Stirling Observer Friday

A PARK and ride route into the city could be in line for further expansion.

The Castleview circular route, which runs from just off the M9 around the city centre and to Stirling Royal Infirmary, has just marked its first anniversary.

Stirling Council bosses are looking at rolling out the scheme into the Castle Business Park, just opposite the Castleview base, after requests from organisations based there.

Around 1400 people work in the business park, where employers include the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, NHS Forth Valley and the Crown Office.

The council hopes the service could be extended there by the end of this year.

A spokesperson for Stirling Council said the changes could have benefits in terms of staff from NHS Forth Valley accessing facilities at Stirling Royal Infirmary, which was added to the Castleview route in June. Efforts would be made to maintain the 12-minute frequency of the service.

A pilot project of a route from Castleview to Stirling Castle ran during August. Figures on its use are being compiled.

An average of around 30,000 people use Stirling’s park and ride service each month. At Christmas this increases to 40,000.