From the Northern Ryedale Public Transport Group

There have, as you probably know, been various individuals active in recent months trying to improve local public transport links. Sometimes this seems to be futile, but recently our efforts were rewarded by an approach from NYCC’s Integrated Public Transport team, asking if we would be interested in discussions about developing a new bus service based on a successful ”Little White Bus” experiment in Hawes (Richmondshire). We have, on the table, the possibility of a large minibus, plus some funding, and the opportunity to bid for some further funding. There is also talk of linking this into the tender process for existing bus services in Northern Ryedale. The process is quite complicated, with the need to consider getting income from fares but to accomodate concessionary passes, and a whole range of possible routes and journey times. 
 
In order to support any funding application, evidence is needed about the current transport needs of local populations. According to RDC figures around 19% of households in Northern Ryedale do not have a car. We know that people of all ages need public transport, and there are a range of destinations such as work, hospitals, shops, other local services, socialising, or accessing the mainline railway network. Use of buses by tourists is also important to the local economy. There are also a variety of times of day when people want or need to travel.  
 
We have had two public meetings in Kirkbymoorside, plus a market stall, so we have some ideas about what is needed in one part of Ryedale; and the services suggested would obviously pass through other communities. We would be really grateful if you could consider ways of gathering further information using the attached survey form, a Parish newsletter, or by meetings, or on a website, or any other method which you think would work in your Parish. We would be happy to assist you with our time and ideas!

Should you wish to respond to the survey, please go to the home page of this web site, click on “Publications”.  On the publications page of the website, under General, look for “Survey Questionnaire”.

Should you wish to respond to the survey,