BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Council has committed to funding the park and ride service from McDonald Jones Stadium into the city for at least another year.

For the past 4 months, council has funded the service on a month-to-month basis after state funding ended with the opening of the light rail line.

Council has now locked in a contract with Keolis Downer which will see the cost of a return trip increase slightly to $4.60.

Around 1000 people use the service each week and council hopes the consistent patronage will help push the case for extending the light rail line.



McDonald Jones Stadium Manager Brett Campbell, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and commuter Jenni Payne