Bydgoszcz is focusing on Park&Ride parking lots. Facilities in Czyżkówko and Les Gdański have been put into use. The one located at the former parking lot of the city council on Grudziądzka Street is almost ready.
Park&Ride systems can be divided into two types: those located at the city gates or those that operate at transfer nodes. Bydgoszcz has opted for both solutions. How does Park&Ride work? It allows drivers coming to the city to transfer to public transportation. Moreover, the parking ticket also serves as a ticket for public transportation.
Start your journey from the office
The multi-level parking lot on Grudziądzka Street is almost complete. The former parking lot near the City Hall was closed in October 2020. The new structure is designed to meet the needs of Bydgoszcz residents: it has a total area of 20,000 square meters and a usable area of 17,000 square meters. It is expected to accommodate 570 cars and several motorcycles, and bicycles can also be left in front of the building. Inside, there will be two stairwells, and two elevators will also be in operation: one in front and one at the back of the building. The building was constructed using prefabricated elements in gray and brown colors. The investment cost is PLN 35 million, of which PLN 9.7 million was provided by the European Union.
It is worth noting that drivers embarking on further journeys by public transportation will depart from the bus stop located just in front of the city council. Let us recall that a few months ago, the Park&Ride parking lot near Kujawska Roundabout was also built (as part of the construction of a new tram route) closer to the city center.
Church ruins and a horse skeleton
An interesting fact is that during the construction on Grudziądzka Street, archaeologists discovered the remains of a Baptist church that had been operating here since 1840. The church complex consisted of meeting rooms, a baptismal font, a carriage house, and apartments. The remains of the church are not the only findings, as a horse skeleton from the 16th century was also discovered.
In Czyżkówko and Les Gdański
Two parking lots have been built in Bydgoszcz as part of the Park&Ride system at the city gates, and one is currently under construction. The one in Czyżkówko, which was built near Węzeł Zachodni, has been operating for several months. There used to be a parking lot here as well. The new one has 75 parking spaces. Bus stops are located nearby for buses coming from Koronowo and Koszalin, as well as for passengers traveling to Osowa Góra. To board a bus from Osowa Góra, one must walk about 100 meters through two traffic lights. Parking meters and barriers were installed in December.
A parking lot has recently opened in Les Gdański near the tram loop and the new roundabout, where the no longer existing narrow-gauge railway used to end. This parking lot has 125 parking spaces.
Park through the forest
Work is underway to build the Park&Ride parking lot in Przylesie in Fordon. It is planned to have 160 parking spaces. Drivers who leave their vehicles here will have tram and bus stops to choose from. There is also an emergency tram loop nearby. Motorists should be aware that the entrance to the parking lot will not lead from Akademicka Street or Korfantego Street, but from the intersection with Prejsa Street (about 200 meters through the forest).
How much will it cost?
As is known, parking will be paid and will depend on the parking duration and the number of passengers in the vehicle. For the first hour, the cost will range from PLN 6 for 1 or 2 passengers to PLN 7.5 for 5 passengers. The highest fees will be charged after 8 hours and for the next 14 hours. At that time, you will have to pay PLN 12 for 1 or 2 passengers, and PLN 25.5 for 5 passengers. Public transportation rides will, of course, be free of charge.
