New bus improvements approved for passengers across York and North Yorkshire

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority members have approved a new plan to improve bus services across the region, helping make journeys more reliable, affordable and accessible for residents and visitors.

The Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) sets out a vision for a reliable, integrated, accessible, safe and comfortable bus network that connects people to the places they need to go, while supporting communities, businesses and the local economy.

The plan identifies a number of key priorities including improving reliability and punctuality, creating a safe and welcoming network, strengthening connectivity for rural communities and visitors, keeping fares affordable and easy to understand, improving accessibility for all passengers and accelerating the transition to greener bus services.

To help deliver these ambitions, the Combined Authority will explore a range of initiatives including enhanced evening and Sunday services, better bus and rail connections and the development of a new multi-day and visitor ticketing option.

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:

“This approved plan builds on our work with local councils and operators to deliver the improvements we all deserve.

"It means better evening and weekend services, fairer fares, and seamless connections between our buses and trains.

“By making public transport work for all our rural and urban communities, we are strengthening our high streets and ensuring our county stays connected.”

The BSIP builds on work already undertaken by the Combined Authority alongside City of York and North Yorkshire Councils to improve bus services and infrastructure across the region. Recent improvements include upgrades to bus stops and real-time information displays, early morning, evening and weekend service enhancements, and the introduction of a £1 fare for U19s to encourage more young people to travel by bus.

Together, these improvements and the long-term vision set out in the BSIP will help connect people to opportunities, support inclusive economic growth, strengthen communities and contribute to a cleaner, greener region.