A new review suggests that bus franchising could be the key to improving North Yorkshire’s fragmented public transport system. The report highlights the lack of peak-hour services, such as the absence of buses connecting towns like Leyburn, Masham, Wensleydale, and Ripon to major routes like the 73 service to Northallerton. This gap in services is affecting local commuters trying to access work and education.
The study revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the current bus provisions, with businesses reporting difficulties in recruiting staff due to poor transport connections. In addition to these concerns, the research found that while major towns receive multiple services, the overall quality and timing of services remain inconsistent.
To address these issues, the report proposes several improvements, including better information about existing services, the introduction of multi-operator bus ticketing, extended peak-time services, and improved coordination between bus and train timetables. One of the key recommendations is to trial a bus franchising model, which would see local authorities take control of bus planning and management, while private operators run the services.
North Yorkshire’s York and North Yorkshire region is set to be one of the first to trial this model, which could serve as a model for other areas. The report also advocates building on demand-responsive services and encouraging businesses to consider pool bicycles as part of the solution.
The review was conducted by Align Property Services and forms part of the Transport to Work and Study Review in the Richmond and Northallerton constituency, commissioned by North Yorkshire Council. The findings will be discussed by the Richmond area committee next Monday.
