UK. A new service called fastTRACK has been created for passengers at Edinburgh Airport in a bid to improve parking, reduce congestion on the airport road system, and tackle the problem of delays caused by passengers being dropped off and picked up at the terminal entrance – termed ‘kiss and fly’.
Located on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park, just one minute from the terminal, the new facility will offer fast, convenient and covered parking for up to 150 vehicles. Dedicated entry and exit lanes have also been designed to improve access for motorists.
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With the new service, Edinburgh Airport hopes to streamline its parking and departing procedures and make it easier for passengers to access the airport (Photo: BAA) |
The airport said in a statement: “Kiss and fly is considered to be the most environmentally damaging form of accessing the airport because it involves four car journeys and adds to congestion on the airport’s already busy road system.”
Public transport improvements and the availability of car parking facilities close to the terminal have already been found to reduce this practice, the airport added.
Between now and 31 August, Edinburgh Airport is offering a -25% summer discount for fastTRACK users. The new service will be available at a reduced rate of £15.80 per day – equivalent to the standard short-stay rate, but with the added convenience of fastTRACK’s exclusive benefits, said BAA.
Edinburgh Airport Managing Director Gordon Dewar said: “Our new fastTRACK service is designed with passenger convenience in mind, but also recognises the impact of ‘kiss and fly’ on the airport road system.
“By creating this fast, convenient and under cover facility, just one minute from the check-in area, we hope to streamline the airport’s parking and departing procedures and make it easier for passengers to access the airport. We are also determined to make it cheaper to park at the airport this summer by offering a -25% discount for fastTRACK users during July and August, traditionally our busiest months.”
He added: “We have worked hard to promote public transport options to and from Edinburgh Airport, and we will continue to do so. However, we must also recognise that public transport is not suitable for all passengers, and that the majority of travellers using the airport will always choose to access the airport by private car. Conveniently located close to check-in, fastTRACK offers a practical alternative to ‘kiss and fly’.”
Edinburgh Airport has the highest use of public transport of any UK airport without a rail link, with 25% of passengers now travelling to and from Edinburgh Airport by public transport compared to 16% in 2002.
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