Preston Bus Station: A Hub Reimagined

Preston Bus Station, a landmark edifice and a crucial artery in Lancashire’s transport network, is currently undergoing significant changes to enhance its functionality and accessibility. This ongoing refurbishment project aims to modernise the Grade-II listed building, ensuring it continues to serve the community effectively for years to come. These developments are set to improve the travel experience for thousands, making connections smoother and more efficient for both bus and coach passengers.

As a vital hub, the bus station facilitates countless journeys daily, linking Preston with surrounding towns and cities. The recent upgrades signify a commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities, reflecting the evolving needs of modern travel. Whether you're a daily commuter, a casual visitor, or planning a long-distance journey, understanding these changes and the facilities available is paramount for a seamless travel experience.

The Grand Transformation: Preston's New Coach Hub

Significant progress has been made at the southern end of Preston Bus Station, where a major refurbishment project is well underway. This ambitious undertaking is transforming the area, specifically adapting it to accommodate long-distance coach services, thereby enhancing Preston's connectivity across the UK.

A key aspect of this transformation involves the modification of what was formerly the dedicated taxi rank. This area has been expertly reconfigured and repurposed to function as a modern coach station. This strategic change allows for a more integrated transport experience, bringing various modes of public transport closer together within one central location. The aim is to streamline transfers between local bus services and national coach operators, offering greater convenience for travellers.

Furthermore, the access roads leading into this section of the bus station have undergone substantial widening. This crucial modification was necessary to facilitate the smooth entry and exit of larger vehicles, such as the prominent Megabus and National Express coaches. These coaches, known for their extensive routes across the country, now have unhindered access, which significantly improves operational efficiency and passenger boarding times. The widened roads not only ensure safety but also reduce congestion within the station premises, contributing to a more pleasant environment for everyone. This pivotal upgrade marks Preston Bus Station as an even more comprehensive and efficient transport hub, capable of handling a broader spectrum of travel needs.

Navigating Preston Bus Station Car Park

For those travelling to or from Preston Bus Station by car, understanding the parking facilities is essential. The Preston Bus Station Car Park is a multi-storey facility conveniently located directly above the bus station, offering unparalleled access to the city centre. Its central location makes it an ideal choice for commuters, shoppers, and visitors alike.

Location and Accessibility

The car park's official address is Tithebarn Street, Preston, PR1 1YT. For satellite navigation purposes, simply input the postcode PR1 1YT. The car park can be accessed from two main thoroughfares: Tithebarn Street or Lord's Walk, providing flexible entry points depending on your approach to the city centre.

Operating Hours and Capacity

This spacious car park operates 24 hours a day, ensuring round-the-clock access for vehicles. It offers parking for approximately 600 vehicles across levels 1 to 6. Please note that levels 7 to 9 may have different conditions or be reserved for permit holders, so it's always best to check signage upon arrival. There is a height restriction in place for this car park, which is 6ft 8 inches (2.03 metres). Drivers of larger vehicles, such as vans or SUVs with roof racks, should be mindful of this limit.

Car Park Prices and Payment Methods

The Preston Bus Station Car Park operates on a pay and display system for levels 1 to 6. It is crucial for all vehicles to display a valid pay and display ticket, a parking permit, or a disabled badge. Failure to do so will result in the issuance of a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). Details on how to address a PCN are typically found on the reverse of the notice itself.

The charges are applicable 24 hours a day, including all Public and Bank Holidays, ensuring consistent pricing regardless of the day or time. Below is a detailed breakdown of the parking charges:

Cashless Parking Options

For added convenience, cashless parking is readily available at this car park. You can make payments via phone, web, or through the RingGo app. When using RingGo, you will need to use location code 24925 to book your parking session. Alternatively, you can pay by phone by calling 02030460010. This cashless option is particularly beneficial as it removes the need to carry cash or worry about finding a pay machine.

Parking Permits for Regular Users

For individuals who frequently use the Preston Bus Station Car Park, purchasing a parking permit offers significant savings and convenience. Both quarterly and annual permits are available, providing 24-hour parking, 7 days a week. These permits are ideal for local residents, daily commuters, or businesses in the city centre.

• Quarterly permits cost £215.
• Annual permits cost £800.

Permits can be conveniently purchased via RingGo, using the same location code: 24925.

Disabled Parking Spaces

The car park is committed to accessibility, offering designated disabled parking bays on levels one and three. There are 7 such spaces on level one and 9 on level two (note: the provided text states level two, but earlier mentioned level three, so it's important to check on site). Disabled drivers must ensure their valid blue badge is correctly displayed and that they park only in these designated bays. Parking with a blue badge is generally limited to 3 hours. The time clock on the blue badge must be set to the time of arrival. If a disabled driver wishes to park for longer than the 3-hour limit, they must pay for the additional time. For example, if parking for 5 hours, a 2-hour pay and display ticket should be purchased (or payment made via a cashless alternative), and the time clock should then be set for the expiry time of the paid parking session. This system ensures fair use of the disabled bays while allowing for longer stays when necessary.

Motorcycle Parking

Motorcyclists also have designated parking areas within the car park, located on level 1 and level 2. Motorcycles are expected to pay for parking, similar to cars. It is highly recommended that motorcyclists utilise the RingGo cashless option for payment. This method eliminates the need to display a physical pay and display ticket, which can be challenging or insecure on a motorcycle.

Connecting Beyond Preston: Travel from Burnley to Preston

While the primary focus of the bus station's improvements is on its own operations, understanding wider transport links is also crucial. For those looking to travel from Burnley to Preston, various options exist. The information provided often relates to the car park at Preston's main train station (Preston Station) rather than the bus station itself, which is important to distinguish when planning your journey.

The car park at Preston Station (the train station) offers different parking rates, which are tailored for rail users but also accessible to non-rail users at varying prices. This car park operates 24 hours a day, Monday to Sunday.

Preston Station (Train Station) Car Parking Charges:

For the most up-to-date information on how to access this specific car park and to calculate the cost of your stay, it is advisable to visit the Avanti West Coast website. It's also worth noting that different rates apply for non-rail users, so speaking to a member of staff upon arrival at Preston Station car park is recommended if you are not travelling by train.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Preston Bus Station

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Preston Bus Station and its facilities, based on the latest information available:

What new developments are happening at Preston Bus Station?

The southern end of the Grade-II listed building is undergoing major refurbishment. The former taxi rank has been transformed into a coach station, and access roads have been widened to accommodate Megabus and National Express coaches, improving national connectivity.

Where is the Preston Bus Station Car Park located?

The car park is a multi-storey facility located above the bus station, at Tithebarn Street, Preston, PR1 1YT. It can be accessed from either Tithebarn Street or Lord's Walk.

What are the operating hours of the car park?

The Preston Bus Station Car Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all Public and Bank Holidays.

Are there any height restrictions for the car park?

Yes, there is a height restriction of 6ft 8 inches (2.03 metres).

What are the car park charges?

Charges vary by duration: Up to 2 hours (£1.90), 2-4 hours (£3.90), Up to 12 hours (£4.80), and 24 hours (£7.20). These charges apply 24/7.

Is cashless parking available?

Yes, cashless parking is available via phone, web, or the RingGo app. The location code for RingGo is 24925, or you can call 02030460010.

Can I purchase a long-term parking permit?

Yes, quarterly (£215) and annual (£800) permits are available, providing 24/7 parking. These can be purchased via RingGo using location code 24925.

What are the rules for disabled parking?

Designated disabled bays are on levels one and three. A valid blue badge must be displayed, and the time clock set to arrival time. Parking is limited to 3 hours, but longer stays require payment for additional time (e.g., a 2-hour ticket for a 5-hour stay, with the time clock set to the paid expiry). It's crucial to always display the blue badge correctly.

Are there specific parking areas for motorcycles?

Yes, designated motorcycle parking areas are located on level 1 and level 2. Payment is required, and using the RingGo cashless option is recommended to avoid needing to display a physical ticket.

How can I get information on car parking at Preston Train Station?

For car parking at Preston Train Station, different rates apply. Information can typically be found on the Avanti West Coast website, and it's advisable to speak to staff if you are not a rail user, as rates may differ.

Conclusion

Preston Bus Station continues to evolve, solidifying its position as a modern, accessible, and highly efficient transport hub for Lancashire and beyond. The ongoing refurbishment, particularly the development of new coach stops and the careful management of its comprehensive car park facilities, underscores its commitment to serving a diverse range of travellers. Whether you're catching a local bus, embarking on a national coach journey, or simply parking your vehicle while you explore the city centre, the station's enhanced infrastructure is designed to make your experience as smooth and convenient as possible. Understanding these vital updates ensures you can navigate Preston's transport landscape with ease and confidence, making every journey a positive one.

If you want to read more articles similar to Preston Bus Station: A Hub Reimagined, you can visit the Transport category.