Nottingham’s Centrelink bus service will carry its one millionth passenger this week.
The popular free service transports passengers between the Broadmarsh bus station and Victoria bus station. It was launched in September 2009.
Passenger figures average 1,700 per day – about 10,000 every week. The service serves seven city centre stops and carries mainly shoppers, students and workers to offices, business sites and city centre shops. It runs every ten minutes from 7am until 7pm Monday to Saturday.
Centrelink also provides a free connection between bus services coming into the city centre from the north and terminating around the Victoria Centre with those coming in from the south or west that terminate in Broadmarsh and with the train station.
Cllr Jane Urquhart, Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for Planning and Transportation, says: “The Centrelink service has been a huge hit with travellers. Shoppers, people going to and from work and visitors have been able to get around the city centre quickly and efficiently for free. Centrelink is well used, helping people get around the city centre easily without using their cars and reducing traffic congestion. Our Link network of buses helps contribute to Nottingham’s deserved recognition for its award-winning public transport network and services.”
A 2010 survey of Centrelink users found that:
- 23% use is daily.
- 34% use it two to four days a week.
- All age groups use it (32% over 60s / 41% are under 40 / 27% are aged 40-59).
- 47% use it to go shopping.
- 25% use it for work.
- 28% use it for various other reasons (education, health, business).
- 68% use it to go from one bus station / shopping centre to the other.
- 51% interchange with ONE other bus/tram/train service.
- 14% interchange from AND to another bus/tram/train service.
- 91-95% satisfaction levels.
To celebrate Centrelink’s millionth passenger, on Tuesday, February 14 drivers will be sharing chocolates with passengers.
For more information on the Centrelink service, click here
