Fears for rural bus services post-pandemic

Concerns are mounting for traditional bus services in rural areas as passenger numbers remain well below pre-pandemic rates.

While numerous services were kept afloat across North Yorkshire with £1.5m of subsidies from the county council before covid, the county’s transport boss has stated many are now facing “great pressure” due to a lack of passengers.

Bus demand in Great Britain maintained its downward trend in the quarter before the pandemic, falling by 2.7 per cent, according to statistics published by the Department for Transport, but since covid the number of passengers using North Yorkshire services has dropped by about 30 per cent.

North Yorkshire County Council’s older people’s champion Councillor Caroline Dickinson questioned whether the pandemic had led to a long-term shift in behaviour away from public to private transport.

The member for Northallerton said bus user groups were wanting more bus services in rural areas.

North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for access, Councillor Don Mackenzie responded by issuing reassurances that the authority had launched initiatives to counter the drop in passengers.

He said alongside the Yorbus initiative, which the authority hopes to roll out elsewhere to improve access to public transport, the council was looking to develop services that were better value for money and more effective as part of its bus services improvement plan, valued at £116m over eight years.

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Cllr Mackenzie warned the council would always focus its available funds on where it would achieve the strongest outcomes.

He said:

“Clearly bus services, like rail services, have suffered as a result of covid. I understand passenger numbers are still well below where they were before covid came along.

“We’re looking at something like 70 per cent patronage on bus services and because of that the commercial viability of especially rural services remains under great pressure.”

Ripon service

The executive also heard the first three months of Yorbus, its demand responsive travel pilot in the rural area surrounding Bedale, Ripon and Masham, had “exceeded expectations” and achieved the majority of its targets expected at six to 12 months in the first three months of service.

An officers’ report to the meeting stated:

“Feedback from customers has, on the whole, been extremely positive, and the high levels of customer satisfaction are reflected in the number of repeat passengers using the service.

“During the quarter, 98.5 per cent of all completed bookings were made via the customer app and 1,541 accounts were created in the first three months, against a target of 171.”

Cllr Mackenzie added:

“At the moment we invest £1.5m a year subsidising rural bus services and in addition to that £7m a year on bus passes under the national concessionary travel scheme.

“We are doing plenty for it, but inevitably value for money will come into this. Our ultimate aim is to make rural bus services much more viable by improving patronage.”

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning everyone. It’s Connor here this morning to try and keep you up to date with all your latest traffic and travel news from across the Harrogate district.

If there’s anything I’ve missed, and only if it is safe to do so, give me a call on 01423 276197.

These blogs are brought to you by The HACS Group.

9am – Full Update 

That is all from me this morning. I hope you find the blog helpful and have a good weekend. I am heading over to the news deak now but Suzannah will be back with you on Monday morning.

Roads

The roads are starting to become busy this morning, here are the hotspots on our traffic map:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are starting to become busy this morning, here are the hotspots on our traffic map:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are starting to become busy this morning, here are the hotspots on our traffic map:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are running smoothly so far this morning, but keep checking back as things will likely get busier as the morning goes on.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are running smoothly so far this morning, but keep checking back as things will likely get busier as the morning goes on.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

6:30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are running smoothly so far this morning, but keep checking back as things will likely get busier as the morning goes on.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

Revealed: route for Harrogate’s free Christmas road train

A free road train will take visitors around Harrogate from Friday, just in time for the two town centre Christmas markets.

The Candy Cane Express will stop at James Street, St Mary’s Walk and Crescent Road. It will also pass Montpellier Hill, Cheltenham Parade, Station Parade and Victoria Avenue.

Face masks are advised on the road train, which will operate from December 3 to 12. Face masks are also advised around both markets.

The train route will take in the sights of the Christmas lights, Christmas shop window displays, Christmas rides and Santa’s postbox.

Read more:

It’s all part of the council’s drive to get people into the town centre to support the new fayre and the artisan market in Valley Gardens, which will also stimulate high street businesses.

Excitement has been building since the Christmas rides started in the town centre last month. This week stalls for the Christmas fayre appeared in the town centre.

A map of the Christmas road train.

When are the town centre Christmas markets?

Harrogate Christmas Fayre, which the council is running in partnership with Market Place Europe, will be open between 10am and 7pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am and 9pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am and 4.30pm on Sunday.

The market will take place on Cambridge Street, Market Place, Station Square and Cambridge Crescent and will provide gifts and mouth-watering treats for people to enjoy as they wander around, taking in the sights and sounds.

Around 50 traders will take part in the fayre.

In addition, Little Bird Made is set to hold a festive artisan market in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens this Saturday and Sunday, with times to be confirmed.

The artisan market will feature approximately 60 local and regional traders and producers who will sell a variety of festive arts and crafts, clothing, homeware, jewellery, as well as food and drink.

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning, it’s Connor back with you this morning to update you with travel alerts to keep your journey moving.

I’ll let you know about roadworks, delayed trains and any traffic hotspots that could cause you delays.

If you spot anything, and it is safe to do so, give me a call on 01423 276197 and we can help other commuters too.

These blogs are brought to you by The HACS Group.

9am – Full Update 

That is all from me this morning, I am heading over to the news desk now. Hopefully you have found the blog helpful. I will be back from 6.30am tomorrow.

Roads

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8.30am – Full Update 

Roads

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update 

Roads

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7.30am – Full Update 

Roads

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no build ups of traffic yet.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

6.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no build ups of traffic yet.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

Two miles of heavy traffic between Harrogate and Ripley

Drivers experienced two miles of bumper to bumper traffic on Ripon Road between Harrogate and Ripley this morning due to construction works.

There are two-way temporary lights near Ripley which came online at 8am but they are due to come down later today at 3pm.

It is unclear what works are taking place but they have been approved by North Yorkshire County Council.

The majority of congestion was heading northbound. At around 9am this morning cars queued from New Park roundabout to Ripley.

Join the Stray Ferret’s “Harrogate district traffic and travel” group for all of the latest transport news.

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Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning, how are you today? It’s Suzannah with you again with updates every 30 minutes on the roads and public transport services you use.

There have been a few train delays and cancellations this week so make sure you keep checking in for any that may affect you.

These blogs, brought to you by The HACS Group, aim to keep the district running smoothly.

If you get stuck in traffic or spot something, and it is safe, then give me a call on 01423 276197.

9am – Full Update 

That’s it from me today, Leah will be with you tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of your week.

Roads

Traffic hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8.30am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is building here:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7.30am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is starting to build in the usual spots around Harrogate town centre but everywhere else looks ok. Keep an eye on our updates.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are still quiet so far this morning they tend to get busier over the next hour so keep an eye on our updates.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

6.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no hotspots just yet.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

 

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning, it’s Suzannah with you today. Let’s work together to try and make everyone’s journeys as smooth as possible today.

Brought to you by The HACS Group, these blogs will give you updates every 30 minutes on the roads and public transport links.

If you get stuck in traffic or spot something, and it is safe, then give me a call on 01423 276197.

9am – Full Update 

That’s it from me today, have a great day.

Roads

Traffic hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8.30am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update

Roads

Traffic hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7.30am – Full Update

Roads

The roads starting to get a little busier in the usual spots but no hotspots just yet. Keep an eye out for the next update.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no hotspots just yet. Let me know if you spot anything.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

6.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no hotspots just yet.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

 

Knaresborough’s singing train conductor earns debut art show

A train conductor from Knaresborough has earned a debut art show after picking up his paintbrushes for the first time during lockdown.

Paul Mirfin, who has worked for Northern for 19 years, decided that he needed a new therapeutic hobby just a few months ago.

His colourful pieces, which are often inspired by the scenes he sees on the railway, have been a big hit with his colleagues with some asking for commissions.

Mr Mirfin, who is also a singer, said:

“Painting is really new for me. I had never painted in my life but earlier this year I picked up a brush, bought a load of oils and just started painting.

“I was diagnosed with anxiety a little while ago. My mum had passed away, I moved house, got married and had a lot going on. Painting just focused me in a way nothing else did and really helped.”

Read more:

The oil paintings will be on display in Harrogate station’s waiting room on platform one between 9am and 5pm on October 30. He added:

“Obviously, being a railway man, that’s what most of my paintings are of so far. One will be put into the staff room at Leeds, which I’m very proud of.

“I’d recommend giving painting a go to anyone. It’s so relaxing and absorbing – it helps you take time off in your mind of other things that are going on, or it does for me at least.”

The paintings are inspired by the railway.

Tony Baxter, regional director at Northern said:

“It is very exciting to be featuring Paul’s work at Harrogate station for both our customers and colleagues to enjoy.

At Northern, we are dedicated to making the railway environment better for the whole community and to encourage everyone to ‘go do your thing’ – whatever that may be.”

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning, it’s nearly Friday! I’m back for the final time this week to help make your journey as smooth as possible.

Keep checking our blog every 30 minutes for full updates on the roads and public transport. I’ll let you know about any delays, traffic hotspots or roadworks.

You can get in touch if you spot anything, and it’s safe, on 01423 276197.

The morning blogs are brought to you by The HACS Group.

9am – Full Update 

That’s it from me. Leah will be taking care of you tomorrow morning. Have a great day.

Roads

Traffic hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8.30am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7.30am – Full Update 

Roads

No traffic hotspots just yet but traffic is building slowly in its usual spots around Harrogate town centre.Are you stuck in traffic or spotted something? Give me a call.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are still looking quiet so far this morning, with no hotspots just yet. If it’s any different for you then give me a call and let me know.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

6.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no hotspots just yet. Are you stuck in traffic or spotted something? Give me a call.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

 

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning and happy Wednesday. It’s Suzannah with you again this morning with updates every 30 minutes to help make your journey smooth.

Sometimes my travel systems don’t pick everything up so if you spot something or get stuck if traffic, and it’s safe, please give me a call on 01423 276197.

The morning blogs are brought to you by The HACS Group.

9am – Full Update 

That’s it from me today, I’ll be back tomorrow morning. Have a lovely day.

Roads

Traffic hotspots:

Traffic is building:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8.30am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic hotspots:

Traffic is building:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is building:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

 

7.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are getting a little busier but only in the usual spots, no hotspots just yet. If you spot something give me a call on 01423 276197.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads remain quiet so far this morning, with no hotspots just yet. If you spot something give me a call on 01423 276197.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

6.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no hotspots just yet. Spotted something? Give me a call.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses