A NEW park and ride service which launched in Doncaster yesterday has already run into problems - after being slammed by mayor Peter Davies.
Bus company Stagecoach is operating the service from the new Morrisons near White Rose Way with services to and from the town centre every fifteen minutes, twelve hours a day, six days a week.
But Mr Davies, a fierce critic of park and ride schemes, said shoppers would be better off supporting Doncaster town centre and the markets for their expeditions.
He said: “To be honest, the whole scheme seems to defy logic.
“From what I can gather, Morrisons are subsidising a park and ride service to Doncaster town centre and the interchange which will drop passengers off near two rival supermarkets, Sainsbury’s and Tesco.
“I can’t see anyone wanting to do a full shop at Morrisons then catch a bus into the town centre to do more shopping when they are loaded up with bags.”
The mayor has been a long standing critic of park and ride schemes and bus lanes and last year allowed the bus only North Bridge to be re-opened to all traffic.
He said: “There are far too many supermarkets in Doncaster already and I think many people in the town would be better off spending their money supporting Doncaster market and the town centre.
“I think they will find they can get everything they need from our wonderful market at much better prices than supermarkets can offer.”
Buses will run non-stop to the town centre and Frenchgate interchange every 15 minutes between 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday.
Paul Lynch, Stagecoach Yorkshire managing director, shrugged off the comments and said: “We are delighted to be launching the new service.
We are expecting the park and ride to be very well used, particularly because it will be fast, frequent and great value.
Mr Lynch added: “Doncaster has become increasingly popular with out of town shoppers and, with many not wanting to drive into the town centre, the park and ride will provide the ideal solution.”
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