I’ve been asked to explain a bit about how the Martlesham Park and Ride (P&R) service works, so here goes...

What does it cost?
£2.90 for up to five people who travel together on both the outward and return journey into Ipswich. If you’re only going as far as Ipswich Hospital, it costs £2.70.

What if people want to return individually rather than as a group?
Each person needs a single ticket which costs £2.

Are there any discounts?
Regular travellers can save 30p per journey by buying a Smart Card with between 10 and 100 trips prepaid (you chose the number). There’s no time limit on the use of these cards. You can also get loyalty cards and early-bird commuter offers starting 2nd January 2010.  Ask for details at the Martlesham P&R site.

What if I have a Bus Pass? Can I travel for free?
If everyone in the group has a bus pass then you all travel free of charge.

If there is anyone in your group without a pass, then the group is charged £2.90 return (or £2.70 if you are only going as far as the hospital).

If a bus pass holder wants to return individually rather than with the group, they can get a single ticket free of charge.

Where can I get the bus to and from?
There is a bus stop at Ipswich Hospital, (Woodbridge Road) and various stops in Ipswich town centre (including the Railway Station). The bus then goes to the London Road Park & Ride site. (Maps are available to show you all the routes and the associated stops).

What times does it run at?
Mondays to Saturdays: every 10 minutes between 7am and 6.20pm (from Martlesham). The last P&R bus leaves Ipswich Railway Station at 7.02pm and from Pals (just outside the Old Cattle Market bus station) at 7.09pm.

There is no service on Sundays except during the Christmas period.  

What happens if I miss the last Park and Ride bus home?
Don’t panic! You can catch the 62A, 62B or 66 buses back to Kesgrave with your Park and Ride ticket. These buses will drop you off close to the P&R site. The exit gates at the site are left open, so you won’t find your car or bike locked-in!

The last 62A bus currently runs from the Old Cattle Market Bus Station at 10.55pm. The last 66 bus currently runs from Ipswich Railway Station at 12.54am and at 1am in the morning from outside Pals.

Can I use Park and Ride if I don’t have a car?
Yes, the cost is the same whether you walk, cycle or drive to the Martlesham P&R site. Cycle parking stands are provided. Cycle lockers require £1 (which you get back).    

Are the services accessible to those with disabilities or baby buggies?
Fully accessible low-floor buses are used. The terminal building at Martlesham has a heated waiting area, accessible toilets and baby change facilities.   You can also borrow wheelchairs and shopping trolleys if you leave a £10 deposit with the staff.

Further information:
This can be obtained from:  the Town Council office, Martlesham Park and Ride site or online at www.suffolkonboard.com or on 0845 606 6171.

If you have any questions or comments about the above or public transport in general in Kesgrave, please send them to me.

Sue Hall,
Public Transport Liaison Officer, Kesgrave Town Council, Ferguson Way, Kesgrave IP5 2FZ   
Email: public_transport@btinternet.com