Significant changes are set for Chelmsford's Chelmer Valley Park and Ride service, with a series of improvements and cuts scheduled to begin in 2026. The overhaul follows the award of a new management contract and aims to ensure the long-term financial health of the service before it is transferred to a new unitary authority.
New Fares and Service Reductions
The upcoming changes include a revision of ticket prices and age brackets. The child ticket age will be reduced from 18 to 16, and a new £2 student ticket will be introduced, slotting between the £1 child fare and the £3 adult day ticket.
To improve efficiency where passenger use is very low, the Chelmer Valley service will be scaled back. This means the Park and Ride will no longer operate after 7:30 pm from Monday to Friday, and Saturday services from the site will be completely withdrawn. The shuttle service connecting the Chelmer Valley site to Broomfield Hospital is unaffected by these cuts.
Consultation Reveals High Cost Per Passenger
These decisions follow a public consultation and a thorough review of passenger usage and demand. The review found strong opposition to cutting the Saturday service. However, data revealed that the Chelmer Valley site, on average, serves only a quarter of the passengers that use the Sandon Park and Ride.
This low usage drives up costs dramatically. The average cost per passenger at Chelmer Valley exceeds £12, which is far above the £5 threshold used to assess value for money for bus services in the area.
Future Management and Long-Term Plans
Subject to a standstill period, First Buses has been successful in bidding for the new contract and will manage the Park and Ride services from April 2026 until 2030. They will take over from the current operator, Central Connect, whose contract ends on March 5, 2026.
Councillor Tom Cunningham, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and sustainable transport, emphasised the need for a sustainable service. "The Park and Ride services are an important part of travelling in Chelmsford, helping to reduce the number of cars in and around the city centre," he said. "However, we need to make sure the services are providing value for money... While we are needing to reduce some services to help maintain efficiencies, it will ensure the overall Park and Ride service remains financially healthy."
The Sandon Park and Ride site, accessible via the A12, is unaffected by the changes and will remain an option for evening and Saturday travel. Meanwhile, demand at the Chelmer Valley site will be kept under review, especially considering expected growth in north Chelmsford from developments like the Chelmsford Garden Community, which includes the Beaulieu and Channels estates.
