Lincoln BIG Bid Business Plan 2015-20

Lincoln BIG recognises that access and
car parking are key issues for City Centre
businesses, and despite not owning land
itself, over the last five years Lincoln BIG has
worked hard to develop creative solutions to
improve access to the City Centre for workers,
shoppers and visitors. This has included a
number of direct initiatives to make a real
difference to people’s experience of working
in and visiting the City Centre.
The Lincoln BIG board continues to lobby for the introduction of
Park and Ride which we feel is an essential access component in a
historic city such as Lincoln which will be vital to the success of the
Lincoln Castle revealed investment. We are also working with the
Chamber of Commerce and our local MP to promote better rail
access to the City.
Through our Access Opportunities Fund we have continued to
negotiate the bulk purchase of car parking permits in the City
Centre’s less pressured car parks and resell these to our levy payers.
We also purchase cheaper bus passes for resale. These initiatives
continue to be very successful, with over 300 daily commuters
using season tickets sold at these discounted rates.
We have also carried out work to promote cycling including the
provision of cycle lockers and pooled electric bikes for City Centre
businesses and their employees to use.
Case Study
The Steep Hill Shuttle
In November 2013, to save it from closure Lincoln BIG took on the operation of the
Walk and Ride bus service in conjunction with the Lincoln Company – PC Coaches.
This ensured the continuation of a well-used City Centre shuttle bus service – providing
a vital transport link between the uphill and downhill areas of the City Centre.
The Walk and Ride bus service was re-launched in November 2013, with the service
running 6 days a week, ferrying shoppers and tourists between the uphill and downhill
areas of the City. The fleet of vehicles has been rebranded and now sports an orange
and white livery and operates under the nickname ‘The Steep Hill Shuttle’.
Looking Forward...
We plan to review operation of
the Walk and Ride service and see
what improvements we can make
to improve access between arrival
points, car parks and attractions
such as the Cathedral and Castle
particularly if there is a delay in
the implementation of Park
and Ride.
We will continue to explore ways
to develop and improve our
parking and bus deals for levy
payers and their employees.
We also plan to begin
negotiations to introduce a
commuter rail deal for people
travelling to the City by train.
In terms of access and parking, we
will continue to lobby for a City
Centre Park and Ride scheme and
look forward to the publication of
the City Council’s Parking Strategy.
We will enter a dialogue with the
new East Coast Trains operator
when they are announced in
late 2014 and continue to press
for improved train services from
London as well as continuing
to press for an improved service
between Lincoln and Nottingham.
10 Lincoln BIG Business Plan 2015-20 www.lincolnBIG.co.uk 01522 545233 11