T in the Park organiser Geoff Ellis 'sorry' for transport chaos at Strathallan

  • Published
James Bay

T in the Park boss Geoff Ellis has said sorry for this year's transport problems at the festival's new site.

He's apologised to fans after criticism following the event's move from Balado to Strathallan Castle, where it will be again in 2016.

Transport, staffing and site layout issues dogged the weekend, but Geoff Ellis said lessons had been learnt.

"We're genuinely sorry that the first year at our new site didn't go as well as we hoped for some of you," he said.

Traffic

Image source, PA

Many festival-goers experienced long delays leaving the site on the Friday and Saturday nights.

Heavy rain meant the ground became muddy and some cars had to be towed from car parks to get them out safely, causing queues.

"The traffic didn't work well on or around the site itself," he admitted.

"The Pick Up and Drop Off points into the site did not work.

"The volume of people using them was much higher than we had at Balado and we now need to separate them completely from buses and coaches.

"This might involve using a shuttle service to take fans the short distance to and from the site."

Image caption,

Geoff Ellis also said he was considering introducing a Park and Ride facility, something he's not previously been keen on

If it did go ahead, it'll likely be for day and non-camping ticket holders.

Organisers are also looking at putting on improved services to Gleneagles rail station and dedicated shuttle bus services from Crieff, Muthill and Auchterarder.

Staffing

"It is clear from your comments that many staff at the event were not as well briefed as they should have been. We will fix that," the organiser said.

One way he plans on doing this is employing more people from the local area who have a greater knowledge of the site and its surroundings.

Volunteer help teams will also be introduced at the campsite and arena.

Image source, PA

Signage is another thing that people weren't happy with this year.

"Now that we have seen the site in action it will be easier to choose the best signage points more effectively.

"If we continue to have an East and a West Pick Up point then we will also arrange access within the site between them in case you end up in the wrong one.

"We failed to do that this year and we know that it had an impact on some of you."

A new website will be launched before Christmas to respond to any fans' comments.

Arena and campsite

Watch a round-up for T in the Park 2015 in four minutes., external

"In hindsight, there were some things that we could and should have planned better in the design and you have pointed this out to us very clearly in your feedback," Geoff Ellis said.

The Healthy T will be moved next year after problems in this summer.

There's going to be more seating provided throughout the venue and more food outlets in the campsite.

Geoff Ellis says he'll also reintroduce the Citizen T campsite, which he admitted "was a mistake not to do so this year and we know you missed it".

Follow @BBCNewsbeat, external on Twitter, BBCNewsbeat, external on Instagram, Radio1Newsbeat, external on YouTube and you can now follow BBC_Newsbeat on Snapchat