Often referred to as ‘Britain’s most scenic bus route‘ the 840 Coastliner route travels across the North York Moors National Park linking Leeds and York to Whitby.
The route has been saved as customer numbers have soared and the Government stopped in to confirm further funding to support bus routes.
The popular £2 fare cap scheme that was meant to end on Friday 31st March but is set to be extended to the end of June. It was reported by Transdev, Coastliner’s parent company, said that 13,000 in the February half-term took advantage of the £2 max one-way fare which saved an average of £5.50 per trip.
Customers using the bus route can take advantage of 10% off admissions such as the stunning Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey using the discount voucher available from bus drivers on the service.
Speaking about the price cap 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.
“In the meantime, we’re looking forward to what we hope will be a busy summer on Coastliner, as we work with our partners including North Yorkshire County Council to encourage more people to come and enjoy this wonderful scenic journey over the North York Moors to Whitby.”
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.
“We are pleased to see an increase in passenger numbers for this route. We will work with Transdev and other operators over the coming months to promote services and encourage more people to choose the bus.
“It is only by doing this that we will have a sustainable network of services in the longer term, responsive to passenger needs and free from the uncertainty that comes with long-term reliance on taxpayer funding.”
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 unrivalled 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 the family seaside resort of Whitby.
The Coastliner 843 service follows the same route as the 840 an hour behind heading through Leeds, York, Malton then onto South Bay, Peasholm Park for the North Bay and Alpamare Water Park.
To find out more about the route visit the Coastliner website here.
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