Britain’s most scenic bus ride, linking York with Whitby, has been saved, its operator said today (Tuesday).
The Coastliner 840 route will keep rolling through North Yorkshire’s picturesque countryside after the Government confirmed further funding to support buses.
The funding extension means more people can now take advantage of the £2 fare cap, which was originally due to end on Friday, 31 March, but has now been extended to the end of June.
Coastliner’s parent company Transdev says 13,000 customers in the February half term week took advantage of the £2 maximum one-way fare, saving an average of £5.50 per trip.
The bus operator now says its Coastliner 840 service will not now be withdrawn in early April, as it steps up plans to attract more people to travel on its buses beyond the end of the £2 fare cap.
A further review of the route’s performance will take place in early autumn, as Transdev works with North Yorkshire County Council to plan for the longer term.
Whitby Abbey discount
Transdev commercial director Paul Turner said: “We are delighted to confirm that our Coastliner 840 route will continue this summer, following impressive increases in customer numbers using the service.
“Our current service will continue throughout the summer with minor changes to running times to assist with reliability.
“We’re also investigating ways to build in extra capacity at the busiest times, to make sure everyone who wants to travel with us can do so – we will announce full details of our summer timetable in due course.
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“The Coastliner 840’s longer term future will naturally depend on how it performs beyond the end of June, but we are hoping that customers who discover what an amazing journey it is will want to experience it again, and by doing so, helping to secure it for everyone to enjoy.”
North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for highways and transport Cllr Keane Duncan said: “We have been working hard to save the 840 so today’s news is very welcome for the residents and visitors this important route serves.
“It is an example of how the Government’s support package and the Council’s close co-operation with operators is making a difference.”
Coastliner’s 840 route between Leeds, York, Malton, Pickering, and Whitby was named Britain’s Most Scenic Bus Route in a national poll of bus users.
Its buses provide fabulous views across the North York Moors National Park on the journey through Goathland – famous as Aidensfield in the ITV classic police drama Heartbeat – and on to Whitby.
Customers using the scenic route can also enjoy 10 per cent off admission to the stunning Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey using a ‘Transdev Treats’ discount voucher, available from bus drivers on the service.
Find out more here.
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