New Park & Ride at the airport not being used

BY ENDA CUNNINGHAM

Galway Chamber of Commerce – the majority stakeholder in Galway Airport – has said that uptake for the new Park & Ride service has “not been as anticipated”.

Michael Coyle, CEO of Galway Chamber, and Chairman of the airport said yesterday (Monday) that the scheme is experimental and in its early stages and admitted “numbers were low”.

He refused to say how many people availed of the weekday service last week – on two mornings last week there were three or less cars parked at the airport.

However, the special service on Sunday for the football match in Pearse Stadium saw maximum occupancy, with all 626 spaces filled and between 900 and 1,000 passengers on the shuttle buses.

He said the first 300 supporters were back at the Airport by 6pm, and the GAA said they will use the service again in the future.

Mr Coyle said he was delighted with the success of the match service, and said it would be looked at again for events such as the Arts Festival, concerts and for Connacht Rugby.

And while he said that the uptake last week was “low”, he was not willing to provide exact figures.

“Last week was the first week of operation, and the schedules and routes were being tested. This is a pilot scheme, so it’s a learning process. Numbers were low.

“We expected more commuters to use it for work, but it’s actually the reverse of what we anticipated. There are more people using it during the day.

“We have done extensive advertising and leaflet dropping in the areas we feel should be targeted, and we are experimenting. It’s early days yet,” said Mr Coyle.

He said it takes time to change the mindset of motorists, but hoped that fuel savings of up to €1,000 per year by using the Park & Ride would be an incentive.

“It’s a big change for somebody to change their habits, and in their eyes disrupt their day by leaving the car somewhere. That’s the big challenge,” he said.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.