Operator sought for park and ride at transport hub

The new transport hub in Cheltenham is expected to open this summer

A bus operator is being sought to operate an upgraded park and ride service into Cheltenham's town centre.

The £33m Arle Court transport hub sits on the South West side of town on the golden valley bypass and is expected to be fully operational from November.

The hub will have multi-storey car parking, electric car chargers and cycle parking.

A 10 year contract to fit out and operate a café is also being put out to tender by Gloucestershire County Council.

Once complete, the hub will have parking for 860 vehicles over four-storeys , a passenger terminal with real-time passenger information screens and an e-scooter hub.

'Major step forward'

Cabinet member for environment and planning, David Gray, said: “The redeveloped Arle Court transport hub will be a big boost to sustainable transport choices for both local residents and visitors to Cheltenham, helping to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in the town.

"The improved hub is a major step forward... offering nearly double the amount of parking on site, an increased amount of bus stands and fast electric vehicle charging, whilst increasing the convenience and comfort for customers using the well-connected services.”

The contract for the park and ride bus service will last seven years, with the option to extend this up to a maximum of a further three years.

The contract requires a high frequency of operation for whoever takes it on.

It is anticipated that the bus service contract will be awarded in July 2024 and begin on 24 November 2024.