A PUBLIC consultation into the future of Chelmsford’s Park and Ride has been launched.

Essex County Council wants to hear from Chelmsford Park and Ride users on ticket options, fares and opening days as part of a consultation that launched on Monday.

The county council wants to ensure the current service is fit for purpose and best meets the needs of those that use it, while also ensuring value for money for Essex taxpayers.

The proposals not only address changes in passenger journeys, but also follow feedback from the recent Park and Ride survey in summer 2018 which indicated that parents would like a change to the children’s ticket and passengers would like discounted tickets.

Deputy leader and cabinet member for infrastructure, Kevin Bentley said: “We understand that the Park and Ride Services in Chelmsford are important for many people.

“We want to ensure that those of you that use the Park and Ride are getting the best possible deal, service and experience. We also need to demonstrate value for money, which is why we are reviewing the service.

“As well as looking at passenger numbers, we have taken on board feedback from residents and have reflected this within the proposals.

“These proposals aim to create a more efficient service by addressing a shortfall in users at Chelmer on a Saturday. They also look to benefit young people by extending the age for a child ticket as well as introducing discount ticket offers for all.”

“I am really keen to hear from you as part of the consultation so that we can ensure we have a service that meets the needs of residents in the most effective way.”

The consultation proposes to raise the age of child tickets to 18 and to offer a discount when tickets are purchases digitally through an app.

The closure of the Chelmer Valley Park and Ride on Saturdays is also proposed, as well as a reduced adult fare on Saturdays.

Plans are also in place to remove the ticket machines on site as they reach end of life from 2019 and continue to allow cash fares to be taken on the bus.

The consultation will run for eight weeks until March 22.

Following the consultation the council will consider the responses and make an announcement of how the council intend to proceed in summer 2019.