VISITORS to Leicester over the festive season are being encouraged to make the most of a range of flexible bus tickets and sustainable travel options.
Christmas preparations are well underway in the city centre, festive lighting and decorations are in place and the Wheel of Light has once again taken pride of place in Jubilee Square. The nearby ice rink is open for business, offering an alpine tavern, DJs performing live on the ice and an assortment of fun for all ages.
People travelling into the city to shop, eat out or soak up the festive vibe can make the most of the city’s three Park and Ride services, based at Enderby, Meynell’s Gorse and Birstall. Up to five people arriving in one vehicle pay just £3 for a day ticket.
During December, a special Park and Ride Sunday Service will also be in operation, running on December 11 and 18, between 10am and 5.30pm.
It means that passengers will be able to use Park and Ride to get to and from the city centre every day over the festive period apart from Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and January 2.
Alternatively, a range of flexible bus options is available under the Leicester Bus Partnership services. They include a family flexi ticket which allows up to two adults and three children to travel all day for £10 during term time or £8 during the school holidays.
“Tap on tap off” technology is also available on most buses in the Leicester, allowing passengers to tap on and tap off with their bank card when they travel, without needing to buy a ticket upfront. It’s a quick, easy and flexible way to travel, offering the best value fares on daily and weekly travel across the city’s bus network.
The city’s growing network of dedicated cycling routes and free city centre bike park at Town Hall Square mean that those wanting to take to two wheels can benefit from a safe, sustainable way to travel.
The Santander Cycles Leicester electric bike hire scheme, which has docking bays throughout the city centre, offers single journeys from as little as £1.20 for non-members and 60p for members.
For those who need to drive into the city, most council-operated city centre car parks offer a Night Owl rate, meaning it costs just £2 to park in there after 5pm. Disabled parking is free.
Leicester deputy city mayor for transport, clean air and climate emergency, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: “Leicester has a huge amount to offer over the festive period, from major High Street shops and restaurants, to smaller specialist independent shops, cafes, entertainment and a rich nightlife.
“Over Christmas and New Year, when the city is buzzing with festive spirit, we’re reminding people that they don’t need to bring their cars into the city, and can instead make the most of the public transport options on offer, and leave the driving to someone else.
“The work we’ve been doing since April under the Leicester Bus Partnership means the city is now better connected and more easily accessed by modern, clean, electric vehicles and routes which serve neighbourhoods across the city.
“Alternatively, the city’s walking and cycling routes, safe and free bike parking, and the Santander Cycles Leicester scheme mean the city centre’s shops and other attractions are more accessible than ever.”
For full details of all bus services and flexible tickets operating over Christmas and New Year, visit the Leicester Buses website here.
Information on Park and Ride services is available from the Choose How You Move website here.
(Ends)