Names and signs to point out Park and Ride facilities in Europe vary considerably. Every country concocts its own brew not even coinciding in the "P+R name. The following examples from the countries included in the test illustrate this.
In Germany, Park and Ride is specified as P+R and signposted as above. Our photograph shows a dynamic P+R sign in Munich. It also displays the number of vacant parking spaces and the departure time of the next underground to the city centre.
Photo: ADAC
Austria acts dynamic as well. They use the term P+R for Park and Ride on signs like the one in the photograph taken in Vienna. Again, we are informed of the number of vacant parking places and the underground departure time. P+R is the magic word also in Budapest, Prague, Luxembourg, Ljubljana and Geneva.
Photo: ÖAMTC
Sweden is near enough with a P+T as can be seen on the photograph from Stockholm. T stands for Tunnelbana - which means underground. There are also signs which display a train or bus instead of the T. No matter which design, the purpose is obvious. But if you wish to enquire after a Park and Ride facility, you have to ask for Infartsparkering.
Photo: M
In France, you often see the term Parc d'Interet Regional (P.I.R.) or Parc de Stationnement Regionaux (PSR) as here on the Île-de-France. However this will soon be obsolete since France aims at adjusting to its European neighbours with the introduction of a uniform P+R for Parc Relais.
Photo: AC
Italy announces its Parcheggio di scambio, with this sign. As applicable, either a bus or underground are used instead of the tramway. The figures indicate the lines.
Photo: ACI
In Finland, designers are given some freedom. It is obvious here, that there is a Park and Ride facility in two opposite directions. It is less obvious, however, that Liityntäpysäköini is the word for Park and Ride in Finnish. It may be worth practicing before you go to Finland.
Photo: AL
B+R means Bike and Ride which is an equivalent facility for the bicycle. Although this environmentally friendly alternative is already available at many local public transport transit points, it is not always as convenient as in Flörsheim near Frankfurt
Photo: ADAC
P+M stands for Park and Pick up. Park and Ride in Friolzheim between Pforzheim and Stuttgart, for example (see photograph), does not involve public transport. Instead of changing to a bus or train you switch, for example, to your colleague's car for carpooling to work.
Photo: ADAC
And here is the pick of the bunch: Kiss and Ride is Park and Ride of a very special kind. The photograph was taken at the main station in Innsbruck, Austria. This is where you stop to drop off or collect people, - kiss or "Busserl", as they say in Austria, requested but not mandatory.
EuroTests - EuroTest 2009 - Park & Ride
