Changes to private coach T&C's

[Brad2434]

Sorry if this has been posted about already but I couldn't find anything on it.

Noticed today the T&C's have changed for private coaches, you can no longer get your coach driver to drive right upto gate A? Have to get dropped off in the village and a shuttle service is running picking people up from there and dropping at the gate. Anyone know the reasoning behind this? Coach park last year was completely fine, wouldn't have said it was busy/congested at all. Pretty gutted about this as we take a lot of booze strapped to trolleys etc and would be a right chew on to get on a shuttle bus from the village with it all.

[danwood]

My group is in the same situation now. Not overly bothered, although it would have been a nice touch! The thinking is probably that more and more people using this would start to cause congestion. If i read correctly we have to head for Bath and West Showground which is 4 miles away. Anyone ever used one of the shuttle buses from this site and can relay your experience? Probably get there around 10am Wednesday.

[grayfitz]

Last year I got to the Bath and West Showground at 10am on Wednesday, it was a 2.5 hour queue to get on the shuttle, can't imagine it'd be any better this year of Coaches drop off there.

[Brad2434]

That sounds horrendous. We will be arriving early morning about 6ish. Anyone know what day/time they run from?

[danwood]

Ouch wasnt expecting it to be that bad! Think there might be another shuttle site that may have a shortere queue time or is it likely to be the same elsewhere due to the time and date.

[grayfitz]

I imagine it'd be the same place - the Showground is a huge field that could easily hold all the dropped off festival goers and a ton of Coaches without issue. Plus it's ease congestion as mentioned.

[Vacant0]

I got the shuttle from the showground a few years ago mid morning-ish, don't recall the wait being as long as two and a half hours for me, but the 'queue' was more of a big mass of people, so it was pretty frustrating.

[ScottTelford]

I emailed the festival about this, received this response:

Hi Scott,

We have forwarded your details to the private coach co-ordinator who will be back in touch. The drop off for this year is likely to be the Drop and Collect point at the Bath and West Showground.

Best wishes

Glastonbury Festival

Sounds like it is likely we are going to the Drop and Collect point but it may not be certain...

[danwood]

Hopefully they backtrack! Admiteddly a lazy desire, but won't lose any sleep. Keep us informed Scott.

[Supernintendo Chalmers]

Could always get a taxi? If I recall correctly there's a rank on the outskirts of gate A because I had to get to Castle Cary on the Tuesday evening last year. Surely taxis are allowed to drop off there?

[sime]

Ohhh that will include the hill of death... I remember that well from days of old. I hope the free shuttle bus from the train station goes all the way to the site.

[russycarps]

Ohhh that will include the hill of death... I remember that well from days of old. I hope the free shuttle bus from the train station goes all the way to the site.

The train one surely will. This sort of shit will put people off going by public transport otherwise

[sime]

The train one surely will. This sort of shit will put people off going by public transport otherwise

Good point that. I sometimes wonder just how much the locals can take and wondered if they'd had a say in things but yeah makes sense not to piss off all the public transport users

[Anderson19]

Just turn up at the coach park they will let you on they want want to be backing up a 52 seater coach it'll be easier for them to let you on.

[Zoo Music Girl]

I've got the shuttle bus from there five out of six festivals. My advice is go early. At 6ish there is barely a queue.

[danwood]

Just turn up at the coach park they will let you on they want want to be backing up a 52 seater coach it'll be easier for them to let you on.

Although it is tempting I'm sure someone said that could result in a fine for the driver which would no doubt be paid by us!

[5co77ie]

I'm pretty sure buses had to stop at the showground last year?

[Brad2434]

I'm pretty sure buses had to stop at the showground last year?

Our coach parked at gate A and we joined the queue to get into site at 6am, was in the exact same spot when on the monday aswel for the return journey

[Michaels denim shorts]

the seecoaches go straight to gate A right? not the showground first?

[Brad2434]

the seecoaches go straight to gate A right? not the showground first?

Yeah, its just private coaches that will go to the drop off

[Badlands]

Not that it affects me but it does seem a bit of a snide move. The festival actively encouraging people to use alternatives to cars... but only as far as booking with one of our dedicated commercial partners.

Obviously only with coaches of course.

[sime]

If I go by train I always get one that let's me catch a shuttle bus to the site for about 11am on the Wednesday I've never had any queues at that time. Then straight over to Bushy Ground about 10 mins away, tent up and I'm ready to go!

But oh, that hill of death on a blazing hot day... What fun that used to be... Sort of glad to have gone through it in a way though just to have experienced it.

[ScottTelford]

Just turn up at the coach park they will let you on they want want to be backing up a 52 seater coach it'll be easier for them to let you on.

How long did you then have to wait at Gate A?

It seems silly diverting a load of private coaches just to get on another bus, when there's already a dedicated bus station in place.

[glasto-worker]

Sorry if this has been posted about already but I couldn't find anything on it.

Noticed today the T&C's have changed for private coaches, you can no longer get your coach driver to drive right upto gate A? Have to get dropped off in the village and a shuttle service is running picking people up from there and dropping at the gate. Anyone know the reasoning behind this? Coach park last year was completely fine, wouldn't have said it was busy/congested at all. Pretty gutted about this as we take a lot of booze strapped to trolleys etc and would be a right chew on to get on a shuttle bus from the village with it all.

I had a look about a few days ago http://www.efestivals.co.uk/forums/topic/191973-best-way-for-drop-offpick-up/?p=4639695

as I was trying to take a screen shot for someone as last year they also allowed private mini buses in provided they were notified in advance and it had been changed at that time.

so I had cut out the change from the site

PRIVATE HIRE COACHES DROPPING AND PICKING UP – NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR 2015

Due to the limitations of the Festival site ALL private hire services for Public passengers must now use the Drop and Collect facility situated off the A 371 close to the festival. Do Not use the festival bus station which is reserved for GF Services and coach packages. Passes will be required to access the coach park all other buses will be turned away and sent to the drop and collect.

The festival runs a 24/7 shuttle service from the drop and collect location directly to Pedestrian Gate A. The service is set up to accommodate additional numbers for this year’s Festival on the Wednesday for arrivals and the Monday for departures.

The shuttle buses take around 15 minutes to get to the festival and there is a constant service. On Monday make sure you allow time for the shuttle service when planning the trip to the Drop and collect for you coach pick up.

-------

its bound to catch some coach drivers out and I am glad my crew coach will get there on the Tuesday

they claim 'The service is set up to accommodate additional numbers for this year’s Festival'

so will be interesting in hearing from people after this year as to how much change was made - one could claim by diverting coaches this reduces traffic but it does look a very strange decision.

I wish you all luck.

Edited April 17, 2015 by glasto-worker

[danwood]

Thanks glasto worker, not the first time you've clarified the situation on this topic. The only slight grudge I feel is moving the luggage from one bus to another but it's minor as well be at Glastonbury!