Council and State Government in partnership to free up hundreds of CBD car spaces

Workers who drive into the Newcastle city centre stand to save more than $1,000 a year thanks to a new park and ride service to operate from McDonald Jones Stadium into the CBD.

The trial service, which will commence on Monday 6 November, is a Newcastle City Council-led initiative being delivered with the support of Newcastle Transport and the State Government.

“Park and ride is a solution developed by Council with support from the State Government that has the potential to ease demand on parking as our city grows. It's part of our vision for an integrated transport plan,” Lord Mayor of Newcastle Cr Nuatali Nelmes said.

“Newcastle is undergoing significant renewal with over $1 billion in projects underway in the city. It's a time of enormous change and we are working hard, as is the NSW Government, to ensure the city remains open for business as it goes through this period of evolution.

“A park and ride is another example of how by working together we can achieve great results for our city. Partnering with Transport for NSW, Newcastle Transport, Venues NSW, Revitalising Newcastle and Hunter Development Corporation, we are delivering a win-win for business and for commuters while the light rail construction occurs.”

Commuters will leave their car at a designated parking area at McDonald Jones Stadium and board a bus into the city. The service will run every 15 minutes between 6.30am and 8.30am and again in the afternoon peak between 4.30pm and 6pm.

“This is another initiative to assist business during light rail construction,” Revitalising Newcastle director Michael Cassel said.
“We continue to work closely with Newcastle City Council, and both organisations have been very proactive in getting this initiative off the ground.

“It will take more than 300 commuter cars off the roads, promote public transport and free up parking spaces for shoppers, which in turn assists business.”

After leaving the stadium, the bus will turn left onto Turton Road, travel along Lambton Road, Belford and Tudor Streets before turning onto Parry Street. It will then run along King Street, turn left onto Watt Street before terminating at Customs House.

Set-down points will be at Marketown on King Street, the corner of King and Auckland Streets, the corner of King and Perkins Streets and Customs House.

The return service to McDonald Jones Stadium at Broadmeadow will depart from Customs House every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 6pm. The pick-up points will be the same as the inbound service.

The park and ride service will be free for the first three months, with the cost of parking switching to just $2 a day from 29 January.
Commuters will be required to pre-register for a free permit, with the service limited to the capacity of the parking area. Permits will be available via newcastle.nsw.gov.au/parkandride or by calling Council on 02 4974 2000.

There are a handful of dates over the next twelve months when pre-existing commitments including Newcastle Jets and Newcastle Knights fixtures will require an alternative park and ride location. Commuters will be notified closer to these dates. For all current affected scheduled dates please visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/parkandride or mcdonaldjonesstadium.com.

The trial service will be reviewed after 12 months.