15/04/2016
Navigating Oxford can be a challenge, especially with its historic, narrow streets and often congested traffic. For many, the solution lies in utilising the city's Park & Ride facilities. Among these, Pear Tree Park & Ride stands as a crucial gateway for those approaching Oxford from the north. Operated by Oxford City Council, this facility offers a convenient and often cost-effective way to leave your car and hop onto public transport, heading directly into the heart of the city. This comprehensive guide will delve into all aspects of Pear Tree Park & Ride, from understanding its operational structure to making payments and taking advantage of special offers.
Understanding Pear Tree Park & Ride
Pear Tree Park & Ride is strategically located to serve drivers entering Oxford from major routes such as the A40, A4260, A34, and the M40. Its OX2 8JD postcode places it to the north of the city centre, offering a 12-minute bus journey into the city itself, serviced by the number 300 bus route.
It's important to note that Oxford City Council manages the parking facilities at Pear Tree. However, the bus service itself is operated by the Oxford Bus Company. This means that charges for parking and for the bus fare are separate, and you will pay the bus driver for your journey into the city.
Parking Charges and Payment Methods
Understanding the parking costs is essential for planning your visit. Oxford City Council has a clear pricing structure for vehicles using the Pear Tree site. You are required to pay for a parking ticket within 10 minutes of your arrival.
Standard Parking Tariffs
The following charges apply for standard parking at Pear Tree:
| Parking Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 hour | Free |
| Up to 16 hours | £2.50 |
| 16-24 hours | £4.50 |
| 24-48 hours | £8.50 |
| 48-72 hours | £12.50 |
| Over 72 hours | £100 excess charge |
Disabled Blue Badge Holders enjoy free parking at Pear Tree. For longer stays, there is an option for 28 days of parking at £40, which includes a text reminder 24 hours before your parking expiry.
How to Pay for Parking
Oxford City Council offers several convenient ways to pay for your parking at Pear Tree:
- Cash or Card at Pay Points: You can pay directly at the pay machines located near the terminal building.
- Online via RingGo: Visit www.myringgo.co.uk to pay for your parking online.
- Mobile Phone with RingGo: Call 01865 989000 and use location code 3919. Alternatively, you can download the RingGo APP. If you are already registered with RingGo for parking in another location, you do not need to register again.
Park + Bus: Great Value Deals
For those planning to travel into the city centre by bus, the Park + Bus option offers excellent value. You can purchase a combined ticket for both your car parking and your bus fare directly from the on-site machines.
Park + Bus Ticket Options:
- Car Parking + One Traveller: £4
- Car Parking + Two Adults: £5
These tickets are versatile, as up to three children (under 16 years old) can also travel for free with either of these Park + Bus ticket options. When purchasing, it is crucial to enter your complete vehicle registration number. You do not need to display the ticket in your vehicle; simply present it to the bus driver for your journey.
Season Ticket Information: Flexibility and Savings
For regular commuters or frequent visitors to Oxford, season tickets offer a significant saving and added flexibility. Oxford City Council has reduced its season ticket prices, and importantly, customers now have the freedom to use any of Oxford's five park and ride sites: Pear Tree, Seacourt, Redbridge, Thornhill, and Oxford Parkway (formerly Water Eaton).
Here are the current season ticket prices, effective from 1st April:
| Ticket Type | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Pass | 31 days from start date | £45 |
| Quarterly Pass | 93 days from start date | £115 |
| Annual Pass | 365 days from start date | £380 |
These ticket prices are calculated based on a 5-day week, with weekends included free of charge. However, please be aware that the 72-hour maximum stay still applies even with a season ticket. Cars remaining on-site for longer than 72 hours will incur an excess charge of £100.
You can purchase a season ticket online, or by contacting the City Council Car Park Team on 01865 252489 or via email at [email protected].
Changing Your Vehicle Registration
If you need to use a different car for the day or wish to permanently change the vehicle associated with your parking, there are specific procedures and charges:
- Temporary Change (Different Car for the Day): You must make a separate payment for parking if you use a different car.
- Changes to an Existing Season Ticket: An administration charge of £15 applies for any changes made to an existing season ticket.
- Permanent Change of Vehicle: If you wish to permanently change the registered car on your season ticket, you must inform the Car Park Team via email at [email protected]. This change is also subject to a £15 administration charge.
Facilities and Important Information
Pear Tree Park & Ride offers several facilities and has specific regulations to be aware of:
- Disabled Parking: Designated disabled parking bays are available.
- Maximum Stay: The maximum parking duration is 72 hours, after which excess charges apply.
- Lost Property: For lost property, contact the Car Parks Team on 01865 252489.
- Total Bays: The car park has approximately 1035 bays.
- Parent and Child Bays: Currently, there are no dedicated parent and child bays at this facility.
- Height Restriction: Pear Tree has a height restriction of 2.3 metres (approximately 7ft 6 inches). Information for parking larger vehicles such as lorries, coaches, caravans, and motorhomes that exceed this height is available separately.
Contact Information
If you have specific queries, here are the relevant contact details:
- Bus Timetable, Route, and Bus Ticket Queries: Contact the Oxford Bus Company.
- Car Parking Queries: Contact the Car Parks Team at Oxford City Council.
Getting to Pear Tree Park & Ride
Pear Tree Park & Ride (OX2 8JD) is conveniently located north of Oxford city centre. It is easily accessible for drivers coming from:
- A40: From Witney and Cheltenham.
- A4260: From Kidlington.
- A34: From Banbury, Bicester, and Northampton.
- M40: Providing access from a wider national network.
By understanding and utilising the services at Pear Tree Park & Ride, you can make your journey into Oxford smoother, more predictable, and potentially more economical. Whether you're a daily commuter or a visitor, the options available cater to a range of needs, ensuring you can reach your destination with ease.
If you want to read more articles similar to Pear Tree Park & Ride: Your Oxford Commute Guide, you can visit the Transport category.