Information on Loughborough

Wi-Fi first for new park and ride

Posted on 21/12/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council

18 December 2009

Wi-Fi first for new park and ride

Park and ride passengers can check out the latest offers and connect to the internet, thanks to innovative technology.

Taking cues from cities like San Francisco and Singapore, buses at the flagship Enderby facility are Wi-Fi enabled and fitted with Bluetooth.

The quicksilver shuttles are reported to be the first park and ride services in the country to have both technologies on board.

Bluetooth enables passengers to receive offers and important messages direct to their mobile phones. Starting this week, passengers will be able to check out the brand new offers from outlets such as Niche gift shops and Gloria Jean’s Coffee in the Highcross centre.

Wi-Fi allows people to connect to the internet from their mobile phone, laptop or hand-held games meaning passengers can blog, email or watch tv shows whilst travelling.

Leicester City Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport, Patrick Kitterick said: “We want to make the experience of travelling on the park and ride a positive one for the new generation of the tech-savvy passenger.

“With an increasing number of mobile phones and handhelds supporting Wi-Fi, people will be able to check e-mail, surf the web and play games – all free of charge."

Lesley Pendleton, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “This technology brings Enderby park and ride in line with some of those in some of the most technologically-advanced cities in the world.

“The new service offers a quicker and cheaper way into the city than a regular car journey and helps to reduce pressure on the road network.”  

The hi-tech buses travel into Leicester every 10 minutes, stopping at St. Nicholas Place, Leicester Royal Infirmary and De Montfort University.

Buses run from 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and cost as little as £3.50 for up to five people travelling in a group.

Timetables and voucher booklets including fare information are available at www.quicksilverbus.co.uk , from libraries, service shops and tourist information centres,  or by calling 0116 305 8777.