Transdev insists parking won’t be lost at the Doncaster Park and Ride

Commuters have been reassured plans to upgrade the Doncaster Park and Ride won’t lead to a reduction in car spaces after a Transdev bus was seen entering the parking area.

Plans to upgrade the Doncaster Park and Ride include increasing its bus capacity. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Commuters have been reassured plans to upgrade the Doncaster Park and Ride won’t lead to a reduction in car spaces after a Transdev bus was seen entering the parking area.

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An upgrade to improve pedestrian and bicycle access, and allow for more buses, is expected to happen under the North East Link Project but specific details haven’t been released.

It’s unclear if the manoeuvre related to plans to upgrade bus capacity.

Parking at the Doncaster Park and Ride is notoriously difficult after 8am. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Designs for projects planned to complement the North East Link have not been finalised.

Hender St homeowner Mary Spencer told the Manningham Leader fears about the future of the venue flared after witnesses saw an articulated vehicle being driven into the carpark about 11am on March 26.

She said the driver was unable to enter and forced to reverse out.

She said the strange sighting gave rise to speculation the operator had plans to start parking buses there.

“It was never designed as a depot for buses, nor large vehicles,” Ms Spencer said.

Ms Spencer, who catches the bus, said Manningham needed more park and rides.

“What we’ve strongly suggested in the past is to have more designated pockets of public transport,” she said.

Transdev spokeswoman Jane Murray confirmed the report but said it occurred without incident.

“There are no plans for Transdev to park buses in the customer car park,” she said.

North East Link spokeswoman Shelley Blake also said the work would not lead to a loss of car parks.

“Upgrades will take place at the site to accommodate more buses and improve pedestrian and cycling access but will not lead to a loss of spaces,” she said.

The Leader has previously reported that commuter parking is stretched with motorists forced to park in nearby residential streets before catching a bus to the CBD.