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Monday 14 July 2008
The Ingleborough Pony is New experimental Sunday bus service, linking rail stations and car parks along the south of the National Park along the A65, to provide a service especially for walkers to and around Ingleborough National Nature Reserve. Ingleborough Pony service 888 will run every Sunday and Bank Holiday from 27th July to 28th September 2008.
Named in tribute to the traditional breed of pony that once worked in the lead mines of the Northern Dales and in packhorse trains to provide essential goods and services to Dales communities, the Ingleborough Pony is an environmentally efficient bus service which connects car parks, rail stations and walking routes. The Pony gives superb new opportunities for linear walks across Yorkshire’s most famous mountain. It is also planned to encourage walkers to leave their cars at home, by providing a direct link with the famous scenic Settle-Carlisle railway line at Ribblehead to give car-free access to the heart of the National Park - and equality of opportunity for visitors, young and old, without access to a car. There’s also a direct link from Clapham Station on the Morecambe Line as well as from Ribblehead to Ingleton with its famous Waterfalls Walk and White Scar Caves.
Any single journey on the Ingleborough Pony is just £1, children half price.
The Ingleborough Pony bus service has been devised by the Dales & Bowland Community Interest Company with funding from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund and Natural England. Click here for full timetable details.
Thursday 14 August 2008
The Department for Transport has today published the statistical bulletin Transport Statistics: Road Traffic and Congestion in Great Britain Q2 2008 according to arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority. This bulletin includes first release of the following National Statistics: * Provisional estimates for road traffic in Great Britain for the second quarter of 2008
* Provisional estimates for inter-urban congestion in England for the year ending June 2008. Road traffic Figures for 2008 are provisional. Final 2008 figures will be published in July 2009 and are liable to differ slightly from the provisional figures. The provisional figures show a decrease of 0.5 per cent in overall estimated traffic levels between the second quarters of 2007 and 2008. The bulletin includes breakdowns by vehicle type and road class. Key results include: Between the second quarters of 2007 and 2008 * Car traffic decreased by 2 per cent.
* Light van traffic increased by 4 per cent.
* Heavy goods vehicle traffic increased by 1 per cent.
* Traffic on motorways was unchanged.
* Traffic on both rural 'A' roads and urban 'A' roads decreased by 2 per cent. * Traffic on rural minor roads increased by 3 per cent.
* Traffic on urban minor roads was unchanged. Inter-urban congestion This quarterly bulletin includes National Statistics on congestion on motorways and trunk roads in England used to monitor the PSA measure on inter-urban congestion. Between the CSR07 baseline year ending March 2008 and the year ending June 2008, provisional figures show that: * Average vehicle delay on the slowest 10% of journeys fell from 3.95 to 3.86 minutes per 10 miles.
Wednesday 06 August 2008
Drivers have a unique opportunity to make their fuel go miles further thanks to 'eco-safe' tips offered by Devon County Council. Using the comprehensive advice, motorists can save between 10% and 25% on their fuel costs - effectively cutting the price they pay at the pumps for petrol to well below £1 a litre (based on current prices). And there will be benefits for the environment too, as 'eco-safe' driving substantially reduces vehicles' CO2 emissions. A reduction of 10% in fuel consumption by private motorists would for eaxample lead to savings in Devon of around 150,000 tonnes of C02, which is equivalent to taking around 45,000 vehicles off the road. These figures would be considerably higher if vans, lorries and buses were included. The motoring tips are the latest initiative in Devon County Council's campaign to make Devon the greenest county. It also corresponds with the authority's aim to improve road safety on Devon's roads. Devon watch a free video entitled 'Eco-safe driving - Making A Difference' on Devon County Council's website at www.devon.gov.uk/ecodrivingfilm The advice relates to smooth gear changing, braking and acceleration, anticipation of road hazards, tyre pressures and awareness of other road users' behaviour. Companies with fleet drivers could make big savings on fuel costs, as some are already finding out. Thomas Coles from Management Systems Modelling Ltd in Marsh Barton, Exeter, undertook an eco-driving course himself and was so impressed he put 30 members of his staff on the course. He said: "We are committed to achieving carbon neutrality and so giving all our team 'eco-safe' driving courses to reduce their CO2 emissions helped us achieve true offsetting. Everybody enjoyed it and even five months later they are still talking about it. The benefit was at least as great for morale as for environmental reasons. A few people also seemed to rediscover elements of the Highway Code!" Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "This is further evidence of Devon County Council making Devon even greener, and helping to reduce carbon emissions alongside other environmentally friendly transport such as cycling, walking, car sharing and public transport. Motorists can make a difference to the environment but there will be knock on effects with less wear and tear on vehicles and, if more motorists adopt this more considered driving style, they will improve their safety, making them less likely to have collisions."
Wednesday 23 July 2008
The Highways Agency is predicting busy weekends on England's motorways and major 'A' roads as the schools break up and thousands of families head away for a summer holiday. Steve Crosthwaite, Head of the Highways Agency's National Traffic Control Centre, said: "Routes around airports and ports as well as those heading towards the coast are expected to be busy, with the M20, M5, M4 and A2 expected to be carrying up to 20 per cent more traffic than on a typical Saturday." For drivers in Yorkshire, Humber and the North East, the Highways Agency is advising motorists that the A64 to Scarborough and the A1 in Northumberland are expected to busier than usual over the weekend. Drivers are also advised of two road closures taking place in the Yorkshire and the North East this weekend: * A stretch of the M1 in South Yorkshire is to close on Saturday night (19 July) to allow for the safe installation of a new footbridge over the motorway. The motorway will close between junctions 36 and 37, near Barnsley, from 9pm on Saturday 19 July to 9am on Sunday 20 July. The work is dependent on weather conditions on the day, as lifting the bridge into place can be affected by high winds. * The A19 in North Yorkshire will be fully closed from 7pm on Saturday 19 July to 10am on Sunday 20 July to allow beams to be lifted into place for the new bridge that will carry local traffic over the A19. The road will be fully closed in both directions between the A19/A172 Tontine interchange to the A19/A174 Parkway interchange, a distance of just under 11 miles (17.5kms). The Highways Agency is recommending that people plan their journey in advance in order to avoid the worst of the summer queues. Their newly updated Traffic Radio service is one way of doing this - the service is available 24 hours a day on DAB digital radio and the internet. "At this time of year a lot of people will be taking journeys they are not familiar with so our advice is to plan your journey well and make sure you check the conditions before you leave. It's also a good idea to be prepared. Take food and water with you, especially if you have children in the car, and take a map just in case you need to find an alternative route," added Steve Crosthwaite. "We also advise that you give your vehicle a thorough check before any long journey. We have over 1,100 Traffic Officers out on the road network clearing incidents and helping drivers in trouble. At this time of year they see a lot of unnecessary breakdowns - so check your tyres, lights, oil and of course your fuel level. Waiting for recovery on the hard shoulder with your family isn't the best way to start a holiday." Real-time traffic information is available on the Highways Agency's website. You can use this website to check for current incidents and roadworks and see what is currently being displayed on any electronic motorway sign in England, or even to check the current average speed on a particular stretch of motorway. Visit the website at http://www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo.
Wednesday 23 July 2008
ANVIL SEES ROAD COLLISIONS CUT BY OVER 40% Results for the first three months of North Yorkshire Police’s road safety campaign Operation Anvil reveal a reduction in collisions by 41%. The operation, which was launched on 18 March with the sole aim of reducing deaths and serious injury on the county’s roads, has also seen a 36% reduction in serious injuries and 15% reduction in fatalities, compared to the same period last year. Inspector Dave Brown, Head of Strategic Roads Policing, said: “I am extremely pleased with the reduction in deaths and injuries witnessed on the roads of York and North Yorkshire during this campaign. We are determined to make our communities safer and reducing collisions supports that objective. “While the results may just appear to be a number, in reality it means there are 71 fewer families who have not suffered the devastation of the death or serious injury of a loved one on the county’s roads. “What does concern me, however, is the number of motorists who continue to abuse the most basic rules of the road and are prepared to put themselves and others at risk. The numbers of offences detected does not make good reading and highlights the extent of the problem we need to address. This is not about persecuting innocent motorists - it’s about reducing casualties and dealing with criminality on the road network.” Chief Superintendent Sue Cross who is heading the operation, said: “These results are testament to the hard work of both my officers and our partner agencies, including the “95 Alive” York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership, who provide invaluable support to the campaign. “Although the collision results are encouraging, we cannot be complacent and our efforts will continue relentlessly throughout the summer months and into the autumn. I appeal to all motorists to abide by the law and stay safe. The alternative is simply not worth the risk.” Results for 18 March - 16 June Over 11,879 vehicles stopped 2,656 speeding offences 1,033 seatbelt offences 414 mobile phone offences 224 vehicles found without insurance, of which 208 were seized 60 offences of careless or dangerous driving 178 arrests for criminal offences 105 drink drive offences 1,014 various other offences Collision data for the period 18 March - 16 June 2007 2008 Reduction Collisions 276 162 41% Fatalities 19 16 15% Serious Injury 187 119 36% 4 July 2008
Thursday 05 June 2008
A number of green lane routes in the Yorkshire Dales are now closed to recreational motor vehicles as of 3rd June 2008, in order to protect the natural beauty and amenity of the National Park. The Access Committee of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) has agreed to impose full-time Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) on eight green lanes following a programme of full consultation. The Orders will be reviewed after five years. Jon Avison, the YDNPA’s Head of Park Management, said: “We welcome the making of these orders as a way of protecting the area for the future. “Our officers decided to recommend TROs on these routes following a long process of identifying the effects of recreational motor vehicles on them and on other users.” Under new powers that came into force on 1 October last year, national park authorities are now able to impose TROs themselves instead of having to ask the local highways authorities to do it. This is the first time that the YDNPA has used its new powers. The eight routes that are now closed to recreational motor vehicles are: - Street Gate to Arncliffe Cote
- Stockdale Lane
- Harber Scar Lane
- The Highway
- Gorbeck Road
- Cam High Road (Far Gearstones to Cam Houses)
- Old Ing to Cam End (Ling Gill)
- Horton Scar Lane / Foxup road
North Yorkshire Police, in partnership with YDNPA Rangers and Dales Volunteers will be proactively policing the TROs and Public Bridleways in the National Park. There have been successful joint actions leading to prosecutions for motorbikes being ridden on Public Bridleways and for 4x4 vehicles being driven on TROs. Officers from the Craven Area and from Richmondshire will be involved in regular patrols and joint operations with park Rangers. As a warning to anyone thinking of ignoring the TROs, the police, on 23rd May 2008, successfully prosecuted two 4X4 drivers, for contravening a temporary TRO on Cam High Road. Each driver received costs and a fine of £110. PC Harry Carpenter who has been working closely with YDNPA said: "If members of the public are out in the Dales and come across vehicles being used in an illegal manner then they are strongly encouraged to report the matter to North Yorkshire Police and the incident will be investigated. “The registration numbers of any of the vehicles is required and although it is not necessary photographs of the vehicles can help." There are full details on www.yorkshiredales.org.uk which includes details of byways which are open to recreational motor vehicles.
Tuesday 05 August 2008
Two reports from Great Britain have cast doubt on the economic benefits of aviation. Two reports from Great Britain have cast doubt on the economic benefits of aviation. A report by the country’s Sustainable Development Commission said airport expansion should be stopped until the link between aviation and economic benefit had been proved – it said estimates of increases in economic activity as a direct result of more air travel had not taken into account the potential losses to activity from cheap flights. A report by the country's Sustainable Development Commission said airport expansion should be stopped until the link between aviation and economic benefit had been proved - it said estimates of increases in economic activity as a direct result of more air travel had not taken into account the potential losses to activity from cheap flights. It also said the impact of aviation’s emissions was still insufficiently understood. It also said the impact of aviation's emissions was still insufficiently understood. And a survey by WWF of 100 leading businesses found that 89% expect they will want to fly less over the next 10 years because of the benefits of videoconferencing. And a survey by WWF of 100 leading businesses found that 89% expect they will want to fly less over the next 10 years because of the benefits of videoconferencing. WWF says if the demand for flying from the business sector goes down, the case for expanding airports starts to look ‘a bit shaky’. WWF says if the demand for flying from the business sector goes down, the case for expanding airports starts to look 'a bit shaky.
Bus Service News
Sunday 18 May 2008
Summer Buses in the Dales The summer network of seasonal bus routes in the Yorkshire Dales is now running every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday for the summer period, providing a huge range of travel opportunities. All the following services are now running for the 2008 season: · Fountains Flyer 802: Seacroft, Leeds and Otley to Pateley Bridge, Fountains Abbey, Leyburn and Richmond The Inglebrough Pony service, linking Settle, Clapham, Ingleton and Ribblehead, started on 27th July.
Sunday 11 May 2008
The National Trust at Fountains Abbey has provided funding to run a shuttle bus service between Ripon and Fountains on Sundays and Bank Holidays during 2008. The service will be number 139 and is timed to meet the number 36 bus to and from Harrogate and Leeds, making it really easy for visitors to get to Fountains Abbey on public transport. The overall aim of the service is to get more people leaving their cars behind and coming to Fountains by bus. This will cut down on car congestion in the area and protect the environment, as well as providing an attractive travel option as petrol and diesel prices continue to soar. As a further incentive to travel by bus, adults will receive a discount of half price entry to the World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, if a valid bus ticket for the date of their visit is shown at admission points. Chris Fowler, General Manager at Fountains Abbey said: “We are delighted to be able support a service that allows people to enjoy the outstanding natural beauty and heritage of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal whilst supporting the environment. Caring for the environment and finding ways to combat climate change are real issues for The National Trust and it’s important for us to help where we can with plans for long term sustainability." Until Sunday 26th October, the service will run approximately hourly throughout the day on Sundays and Bank Holidays. The first bus starts at Ripon bus station at 9.45am, stopping at the Visitor Centre at Fountains and then returning to Ripon bus station. The bus will then run hourly ‘shuttle’ services on this route throughout the day from Ripon bus station to Fountains Visitor Centre, stopping at Studley Roger and the Deer Park, leaving at 10.15am, 11.15am, 12.15pm, 14.15pm, 15.15 and 16.15pm. The last service each day will leave Ripon bus station at 17.05 going straight to Fountains Visitor Centre only, arriving at 17.20pm for a final pick up. The bus will depart the Visitor Centre at 17.25pm and return directly to Ripon finishing at 17.40pm. The Ripon Roweller service will also run as previous years from Monday to Saturday and the half price admission offer will also be available on these days, see www.dalesbus.org for details or telephone Traveline on 0871 200 22 33. It is hoped that the service will go a long way towards cutting down on the volume of traffic through the surrounding roads, helping to cut down on pollution in the area, as well as making the roads safer and more pleasant for walkers and cyclists. The Ripon Roweller Fountains Abbey Shuttle Bus service, funded by the National Trust, is supported by the Dales and Bowland Community Interest Company and is operated by Little Red Bus. For further information on the service or to request a timetable visit www.dalesbus.org or telephone Little Red Bus on 01423 526655.
Tuesday 29 April 2008
A new integrated bus-rail link comes to the Yorkshire Dales with a direct Sunday and Bank Holiday bus from Ribblehead Station to Hawes, Bainbridge and Aysgarth, running until 28th September 2008.The new Wensleydale Explorer bus will meet morning trains from Leeds, Keighley, Skipton and Settle at Ribblehead Station and offer walkers new opportunities to enjoy linear walks along the Pennine Way or through Upper Wensleydale and Wharfedale. The new bus is a joint initiative between the Friends of Settle-Carlisle line and the Settle-based Dales & Bowland Community Interest Company, designed to help visitors to the Dales reduce their carbon footprint by offering superb new opportunities for walkers and sightseers without needing to use a car, or who can park at Skipton or Settle. The bus will provide a morning link from Leyburn and Hawes before meeting the Carlisle train. On the return run back from Ribblehead Station the Wensleydale Explorer bus will continue as far as Buckden to meet the mid morning Wharfedale bus from Ilkley and Grassington, thus providing the core of a fully integrated network of train and bus services into and through the National Park. Late afternoon services will meet buses back to Ilkley and trains back to Ribblehead. Over 60s with permits can use the buses free of charge. The Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line and Dalesbus Ramblers will be providing a programme of walks from the bus and train services, details of the first of which are available online at www.dalesbusramblers.org.uk The Wensleydale Explorer will also provide Wensleydale with a badly needed Sunday morning service through to Hawes and also to meet trains to and from Carlisle on the Settle Carlisle line. Bus service 807 will leave Leyburn Market Place at 0910, Aysgarth at 0923 and Hawes at 0945 for Ribblehead to give Wensleydale people and holidaymakers chance to travel on the celebrated Settle-Carlisle railway line for a day in Appleby or Carlisle. The morning Dalesbus service 874 bus from Ilkley will serve the whole of Upper Wharfedale before meeting the new Wensleydale service at Buckden car park for connections to Aysgarth and Hawes. Howard Handley, Chairman of the Yorkshire Dales Public Transport Users Group commented, “We welcome this new service which demonstrates the value of integrating train and bus services to offer perhaps the most beautiful rail-road journey anywhere in England. This will be superb new service for walkers. And with rising petrol costs, using the train and bus to reach the Dales increasingly makes sense.” Details of the new Wensleydale and Wharfedale bus services are available from local publicity outlets or by logging on to www.dalesbus.org
Sunday 16 March 2008
The popular Malham Tarn Shuttle bus service is now running on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays throughout the summer, starting at the Easter weekend. This is the fourth year that the Skipton Building Society has sponsored the environmentally-friendly project, which aims to reduce car congestion and carbon emissions in the Dales. Running on Saturdays, Sun-days and Bank Holidays until September 28th, and also during the half term weekends of October 25th and 26th and November 1st and 2nd, the service is convenient for walkers and cyclists. Cara Taylor, sponsorship consultant at Skipton Building Society, said: "This bus service is a great success every year and the society is proud to be associated with it. Let's hope the summer weather is an improvement on last year and even more people take the opportunity to enjoy the Dales." And Emmeline Butler, local property administrator for The National Trust, said: "We are once again delighted to be able to run the Malham Shuttle Bus service, thanks to continued support from Skipton Building Society. "Despite the wet summer last year, the bus was a huge success, reducing the number of cars in the Dales and it is evidently a valued service." Leaflets with full details and a timetable of the bus route are available from the National Park Centre in Malham, Skipton Building Society branches and Tourist Information Centres in Settle, Skipton and Ilkley. The timetable is also available online, by clicking here.
Sunday 29 June 2008
Following a successful season in summer 2007, the Dales Experience Bus service to Malham is running again from 6th July. For 2008 the service is increased to operate every Sunday and Bank Holiday from 6th July until 14th September. It is also hoped to be able to provide a monthly service throughout the winter months. This year the service will start at Bradford Interchange, and run via Shipley and Bingley then direct to Skipton, Gargrave and Malham. The bus leaves Bradford Interchange at 0920 and Skipton Bus Station at 1030, 1230 and 1530. Return buses leave Malham for Skipton at 1145, 1445 and 1645, and to Shipley and Bradford from Malham at 1645 and Skipton at 1730. Connections are available at Skipton Bus Station with service 66A to and from Keighley and Grassington. To provide a quicker journey Dales Experience Bus service 814 stops only at the following points on the outward journey: Bradford Interchange, Westgate Stop W1, Manningham Lane at Oak Lane, Shipley Market Place, Saltaire Roundabout, Cottingley Bar, Crossflatts Queens Road, Kildwick Skipton Road and then at all bus stops to Malham, Buck Inn. An adult day return ticket from Bradford to Malham is just £7.50. Malham is one of the most popular villages in the Yorkshire Dales. The main attractions are the stunning scenery of Malham Cove and Gordale Scar - possibly the two most impressive sights in the whole of the Yorkshire Dales, also within easy walking distance of the village is Janet's Foss waterfall. The Cove has hosted a pair of peregrine falcons since 1993 and for the last few years, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the Yorkshire Dales National Park have run a special viewpoint, as part of the Society’s Aren’t birds brilliant! scheme. Last year, nearly 29,000 people flocked to Malham to watch the birds. A team of RSPB staff, supported by volunteers from the RSPB and National Park, will be on site every day until 27th July and again from 23rd to 31st August to show people the fantastic birds. Optical equipment (telescopes and binoculars) will be provided to help visitors get the most of their visit. This increased bus service is operated by Jackson’s of Silsden, under contract to the Dales & Bowland Community Interest Company with funding from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.
Sunday 18 May 2008
The Spring Bank Holiday weekend saw the start of the Summer Sunday and Bank Holiday bus network in Nidderdale.
New for the 2008 season are bus links to How Stean Gorge and Brimham Rocks, although sadly the link from York will not be running this year. These Nidderdale Rambler services are operated by local company AS Coaches of Fellbeck. The popular 10.05 departure from Harrogate to Pateley Bridge is also reintroduced for the summer season.
Service 802 from West Yorkshire is back on a weekly frequency, having run only every two weeks last year. For 2008 this service starts in Seacroft instead of Wakefield, and is operated by Godsons of Leeds. The timings of the outward journey are similar to previous years, but the bus returns half an hour earlier to connect with other buses in Pateley Bridge, and provide a more convenient return time into Leeds.
This year most services have been arranged by the Dales & Bowland Community Interest Company, with funding from North Yorkshire County Council, the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, How Stean Gorge and the Yorkshire Dales Public Transport Users Group. The Nidderdale Summer Sunday bus network therefore comprises the following routes, running every Sunday and Bank Holiday from 25th May. As in previous years, connections between services are available at Pateley Bridge bus stand providing an increased range of day out opportunities. Fountains Flyer 802: Seacroft – Leeds – Otley – Pateley Bridge – Fountains Abbey – Ripon – Leyburn – Richmond
Passengers on Fountains Flyer service 802 can benefit from half price admission to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal and discounted admission to Lightwater Valley, on presentation of a valid bus ticket.
Sunday 20 April 2008
A completely new pattern of Sunday bus services will be running in Upper Wharfedale and Wensleydale this year, starting at the May Day Bank Holiday weekend. Service 874 will run from Ilkley to Burnsall, Grassington and Buckden, leaving at 1015 and 1415, with good connections from Leeds on service X84. This service will be run by Arriva Yorkshire, and so is able to negotiate the arch at Bolton Abbey and will also be able to accommodate standing passengers should the need arise. At Buckden connections will be available onto service 808 running to Aysgarth and Hawes, arriving in Hawes at 1242 and 1742. The morning journey then continues to Gayle Mill, and the afternoon journey to Ribblehead to connect with the Leeds train. Service 808 will return from Hawes to Buckden at 1520, connecting with the 1615 service 874 departure to Ilkley. Through fares will be available between services 874 and 808, with the day return fare from Ilkley to Hawes remaining unchanged at £7.50. Holders of the new English National Concessionary Passes now travel free on all DalesBus services. The bus operating service 808 will also provide a range of useful new links in Wensleydale. It will set out from Leyburn Market Place on service 807 at 0910 providing an early morning link to Aysgarth, Hawes and Ribblehead. At Ribblehead it will connect with the train from Leeds to Carlisle, and then depart at 1030 for Hawes, Aysgarth and Buckden. This new network of services has been facilitated by the Dales & Bowland CIC utilising funding from North Yorkshire County Council together with grants from other organisations, including the Yorkshire Dales Public Transport Users Group and The Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line. These new services will replace routes 800, 805 and 806. Additional buses between Ilkley, Bolton Abbey and the Strid will continue to be provided by Cravenlink service 884, which includes an earlier departure from Ilkley Bus Station at 0915, and a later return from the Strid at 1742. Connections will be available at Grassington with service 66A from Keighley and Skipton which continues unchanged, as do services 156 and 157 running from Northallerton and Bedale to Leyburn and Hawes. Services 807 and 808 will operate every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday until 28th September, whilst services 874, 884 and 66A run on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays all year round.
Monday 31 March 2008
Senior citizens from throughout England are entitled to free local off-peak bus travel from 1st April 2008. In order to benefit from the new entitlement anyone aged 60 or over needs a new style concessionary pass. Concessionary free travel will generally be available anywhere in England, including all the Dales area, between 0930 and 2300 on Mondays to Fridays, and at anytime on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. Passes may also be used at anytime for journeys starting within the Craven District Council area, and from 0900 onwards on any journey starting within North Yorkshire or the City of York. Passes may also be used on the following journeys: 0740 Pateley Bridge to Harrogate (service 24) 0715 Gunnerside to Richmond (service 30) 0840 Reeth to Richmond (service 30)
The new scheme makes travel to the Yorkshire Dales more affordable for many people, particularly those living in West Yorkshire or Lancashire. All local bus services are part of the scheme, including cross-boundary services which were previously excluded such as Yorkshire Coastliner and Pride of the Dales routes. Opportunities to visit the Dales now include: Catch service 36 bus from Leeds to Harrogate, then change to service 24 to Pateley Bridge (daily) Catch service 36 bus from Leeds to Ripon, then change to service 159 to Masham, Leyburn and Richmond (Mondays to Saturdays) Catch service X84 bus from Leeds to Ilkley, for buses to Bolton Abbey and Grassington (service 74 on Mondays to Saturdays; service 874 on Sundays and Bank Holidays) Catch service 215 from Burnley to Skipton, then change to bus 72 (Mondays to Saturdays) or 66A (Sundays and Bank Holidays) to Grassington Catch service 280/X80 bus from Preston or Clitheroe to Skipton, then change to bus 72 (Mondays to Saturdays) or 66A (Sundays and Bank Holidays) to Grassington Catch service 66 bus from Keighley to Skipton, then change to service X59 to Bolton Bridge or Blubberhouses (Mondays to Saturdays) Catch service 770 from Wetherby to Harrogate, then change to bus X59 to Bolton Bridge and Skipton (Mondays to Saturdays)
If you have a new-style OAP pass issued anywhere in England, don't forget to bring it with you when you visit the Dales, so you can take advantage of free travel on the local buses.
Sunday 16 March 2008
An extra journey is being provided on the Cravenlink bus service from Ilkley to Bolton Abbey and Skipton, as the service has attracted funding to allow it continue for the next year. The Cravenlink service was created by the Dales & Bowland Community Interest Company in April 2007 with funding from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund. It has proved very popular, and in March 2008 its future was secured for another year with funding from North Yorkshire County Council and Metro.
The service runs on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays throughout the year. A revised route was introduced in December 2007, with most journeys now serving Bolton Abbey, The Strid and Eastby en route between Ilkley and Skipton.
A new 09.15 departure from Ilkley runs on service 884 to Skipton via Bolton Abbey, The Strid, Eastby and Embsay, providing an opportunity for walkers to make an early start on walks in Wharfedale. This journey runs throughout the summer until 28th September, and also on 26th October and 2nd November 2008.
Click here for full timetable details.
Rail Service News
Tuesday 05 August 2008
Eurostar, the high-speed passenger train operator that links the UK with continental Europe, is adding an 18th service in each direction on the London – Paris route on Mondays to Thursdays from 8 September 2008.
Eurostar is also boosting weekend services, with up to 20 trains on Fridays from London and Paris and 19 trains from Paris to London starting from 11 July 2008.
Extra trains are being added to meet the surging demand from travellers wanting to travel by 186mph trains to the Continent. Eurostar is seeing growth of more than 100% in some regions north of London, as travellers take advantage of good value through fares, easy connections via domestic rail services to St Pancras International, and the high frequency of Eurostar trains – with rail providing more flexibility and choice than regional air services.
Travellers are also being attracted by the opportunity to see the magnificently restored St Pancras International – now one of the grandest railway stations in the world - which besides its amazing architecture offers a wide variety of shops, bars and restaurants with a truly cosmopolitan ambience.
Eurostar services from St Pancras International travel at 186mph to Brussels, Paris and Disneyland Resort Paris, with a huge range of connections to more destinations across France, and cities such as Bruges in Belgium, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and Cologne in Germany.
The addition of extra trains will mean that there is a half-hourly service between London and Paris during the morning and evening peaks, and close to an hourly service throughout the rest of the day.
Eurostar’s Communications Director, Simon Montague, said: “We are delighted at the growing numbers of travellers from the regions and we will soon be rolling out more through fares with other UK train operators.
The increase in services means we have 24,000 seats available between London and Paris on Mondays to Thursdays, and 30,000 seats on Fridays. We advise travellers to book early to get the best deals.”
Examples of standard option, return fares and fastest journey times include:
Cambridge – Brussels / Paris: £71 return – journey times 3h50 / 4h00
Birmingham – Brussels / Paris: £79 – journey times 4h25 / 4h50
Manchester – Brussels / Paris: £84 – journey times 5h20 / 5h35
Luton – Brussels / Paris: £67 – journey times 3h20 / 3h40
Derby – Brussels / Paris: £79 – journey times 4h25 / 4h50
Peterborough – Brussels / Paris: £77 – journey times 3h40 / 4h00
Leeds – Brussels / Paris: £79 – journey times 5h05 / 5h35
(For travel to Disneyland Resort Paris, and to any station in Belgium, the lowest fares are the same price as for Brussels or Paris.)
Tuesday 05 August 2008
Traveller numbers up 16.8% to a record 923,000
Eurostar, the high-speed passenger train operator connecting the UK and mainland Europe, today has announced it carried a record number of passengers in July 2008.
Over 900,000 travellers used Eurostar services during July – an increase of 16.8% on the same month the previous year.
Yesterday, Eurostar announced it was adding an 11th daily London-Brussels service, from December 2008, to meet fast growing demand. Passenger numbers on the London-Brussels route have increased by 30% since the launch of Eurostar services on High Speed 1 in November 2007.
Simon Montague, Director of Communications, Eurostar, said: “We are delighted to break another Eurostar record by carrying an all-time monthly high of passengers.
“Eurostar is now attracting new travellers from across the UK and also crucially persuading even habitual flyers to switch from plane to train for their holidays and business trips.”
Sunday 09 September 2007
Engineering work is scheduled on the Settle-Carlisle railway line at various times during 2008, including: Sundays from 9th November to 7th December. On Sundays from 14th September until 5th October 2008 track renewals at Steeton will block the Airedale route all day. Northern will operate diesel services between Leeds/ Bradford Forster Square and Keighley in each direction with connecting buses between Keighley and Skipton calling at Steeton & Silsden and Cononley. Leeds - Morecambe/ Carlisle trains will start from and terminate at Skipton. During the closures rail services operate as far as possible, with coach replacement services between stations where the line is closed. If you have any queries regarding engineering work timetables, visit www.settle-carlisle.co.uk, contact Northern's Customer Relations on 0845 0000 125 or email customer.relations@northernrail.org.
Wednesday 23 April 2008
A highly detailed, 9-page report prepared by SELRAP at the request of the All Party Parliamentary Rail Group when they met in the Palace of Westminster on March 7, has been welcomed and praised by the APPRG. “Overcoming Challenges to Rail Reinstatement Schemes: What Parliamentarians Can Do To Help” details the many hurdles which lie in the path of SELRAP’s aim to see the Skipton-Colne railway line re-opened – and ways in which those hurdles may be overcome - as well being relevant to the many reinstatement schemes backed by campaigners and authorities throughout England, but where progress is stymied by the long, costly and tortuous process. Lord Berkeley, chairman of the APPRG tells SELRAP: “'I read the Report with great interest and believe that it provides an excellent basis for moving forward towards detailed plans and estimates for financing and building this important link. I believe that, if the Skipton-Colne railway were there already with a decent and frequent rail service, it would be increasingly popular with the higher price of fuel and concerns about carbon emissions. It is time to put aside past mistakes in closures and recreate this important link for the local and regional community.' The main author of the report, Frank Filardo, says: “The APPRG seemed most impressed with our case when we addressed them, and asked us to inform them of the barriers that stood in our way and how they might be overcome by changes in policy or procedure. SELRAP hopes that the report will be widely read in Westminster, and we are discussing ways in which some or all of it might be made available for more general use and information. Certainly, the meeting with the APPRG was most useful for SELRAP and takes our campaign yet anther step forward.”
Walking News
Sunday 16 March 2008
A varied programme of free guided walks, all accessible by public transport, is on offer in the Yorkshire Dales every Sunday during the Summer months. The walks are organised by Dalesbus Ramblers, and are designed to have easy connections with weekend DalesBus services, including services 66A (from Keighley and Skipton), 802 (from Leeds and Otley), 808 (from Ribblehead and Hawes), 809 (from Ilkley, Skipton and Settle), 814 (from Bradford and Skipton), 874 (from Ilkley and Grassington) and 24 (from Harrogate). The walks vary in length from around 3 to 12 miles, and vary from easy to strenuous. Full details of the walks are available online at www.dalesbusramblers.org.uk, and in a full colour booklet available from National Park centres and tourist information centres. There are also many other guided walks available in the Yorkshire Dales area, including a varied programme organised by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority themselves. Many of these walks are also accessible by public transport. For further information visit the Yorkshire Dales Events Guide.
Tuesday 08 July 2008
Disabled ramblers will be enjoying some of the sights and history of the Yorkshire Dales National Park next week.A group of members of the national Disabled Ramblers charity and their support team will be riding their tough, off-road electric wheelchairs over rough terrain and up and down some steep hills during a two-day visit on July 15 and 16. The event will be the first of its type that the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) has hosted. Rachel Briggs, the YDNPA’s Access Development Officer, said: “The use of off-road wheelchairs will provide opportunities for people with disabilities to explore parts of the National Park that would normally be inaccessible to them – it’s going beyond the flat, surfaced road we would normally provide for a wheel chair user. ”The visit will help us to improve access for disabled people in these off-road wheelchairs and hopefully it will be the first of many.” And, as part of National Archaeology Week, the visitors will be given a guided tour of some of the historic treasures along the routes by Robert White, the YDNPA’s Senior Conservation Archaeologist. “Reeth High Moor contains some extensive lead mines including Old Gang Smelting Mills on which we have done some conservation work, so we will be having a look at them,” he said. “We will also be looking at some of the multi-period historic landscapes and field systems elsewhere in Swaledale.”
Other News
Wednesday 30 July 2008
Hawes Is Streets Ahead! Major success stories in reducing street clutter, improving street design and reinforcing the distinctiveness of our towns, cities and villages have been highlighted by English Heritage’s Save our Streets campaign. English Heritage has published Streets for All: Practical Case Studies aimed at encouraging more councils and highway departments to follow the shining example of ten outstanding “street-scape” projects from across the country. They include a scheme to use historic surfacing materials in the beautiful village of Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales. English Heritage launched its Save our Streets campaign in 2004 and since then many councils have removed unnecessary signs, poles, bollards, barriers and road markings. In Hawes the cobbled section of the A684 through the popular village was renovated using new pink granite setts, combined with some of the existing historic setts recovered during road works. Considerable effort was made to re-use existing cobbles. This included re-texturing granite setts to achieve adequate skid resistance for traffic. The final scheme saw footways to be widened to accommodate safe use for wheelchair users and carriageway narrowed to encouraged lower traffic speeds. In achieving these aims, Hawes’ unique historic character has been enhanced. Maddy Jago, English Heritage Regional Director for Planning and Development, said: “The response to our Save Our Streets campaign has been tremendous. Lots of councils are keen to do the right thing, though street improvement schemes can take a long time to achieve. The councils responsible for the case studies we are highlighting today deserve congratulations. They have come up with innovative ways of minimising clutter and enriching the environment. We hope that other councils will be inspired by their example.” Local authorities are increasingly recognising that improving the streets brings a range of benefits to everyone. Local businesses report better trade, more people are encouraged to walk and cycle, the streets become safer, more sociable places, and the historic character of an area is enhanced rather than degraded. Transport Minister Rosie Winterton said: "The Department for Transport is committed to helping local authorities create high quality street environments and so was delighted to work with English Heritage on this important Streets for All project. These leaflets provide practical advice for local authorities about the small things they can do to make a real difference to our local historic streets, whether by restoring historic surfaces or removing excessive numbers of lamp posts by fixing lights to buildings." Streets for All, Practical Case Studies consists of a summary document plus ten leaflets, each on a different aspect of making better streets and each featuring a town or city where this has been put into practice. Aimed at local authorities and highways engineers, each leaflet contains detailed advice on issues to be considered and procedures to go through and lists relevant documents and legislation. They help practitioners understand the key elements that make up successful streetscape management. The sorts of issues tackled by councils which feature in Streets for All, Practical Case Studies include reducing white lines, putting signs on buildings so that poles can be removed, taking away guardrails which, research proves, can actually make roads less dangerous, keeping historic street surfaces such as cobbles and stone paving flagstones because not only do they slow traffic, but they also “match” the buildings around them and have cultural meaning and memory for local people, introducing tactile paving into historic areas sensitively and even how to carry out a street audit, involving the local community. Streets for All: Practical Case Studies demonstrates clearly that there is growing momentum behind the movement to improve our streets. In publishing them, English Heritage has the support not only of the Department for Transport, but also of The Institute of Highways and Transportation, CABE Space and the Campaign for Protection of Rural England, which has its own continuing campaign to reduce sign clutter. Copies of Streets for All: Practical Case Studies, the summary document and ten leaflets, plus English Heritage’s previous publications Save Our Streets and the Streets for All headline document and its nine regional manuals can be found at www.english-heritage.org.uk/streetsforall or requested from English Heritage Customer Services on 0870 3331181, email customers@english-heritage.org.uk
Friday 13 June 2008
The Yorkshire Dales and Harrogate area has won European recognition for its work in promoting tourism. And it has now become one of just 48 regions in Europe to receive the prestigious European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas award. It is the first part of Yorkshire and only the sixth area of the United Kingdom to have been recognised since the scheme was launched in 2001. The award scheme is run by the EUROPARC Federation, an umbrella organisation with its headquarters in Germany that brings together the organisations responsible for the management of over 400 protected areas across the continent. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) applied for the Charter on behalf of the Yorkshire Dales and Harrogate Tourism Partnership (TP), which aims to promote the development of the area as a sustainable tourism destination. The bid was supported by Yorkshire Forward, which leads on tourism in the Yorkshire region. Partnership Chairman Steve Macare said: “We are delighted with the news. It is a fantastic achievement that will bring benefits to the area. “This is a culmination of a team effort over the last six months and special thanks must go to everyone, especially the businesses, that took part in the visit by the verifier in April which we understand was very well received. “However, although the application only took six months, in real terms it’s the recognition of the many years of joint working by local authority and other partners on tourism matters since the mid-1980s “It will mean a higher profile nationally and across Europe for the area as well as new links to organisations in the tourism sector at local regional and national level as well as opportunities for exchange of expertise and experience. “It will also enable both the protected areas in the Yorkshire Dales – the National Park and the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural beauty – to sign EUROPARC charter partnership agreements with local businesses enabling both parties to benefit through closer working relationships.” Chris Fowler, Tourism Partnership Vice-chairman and General Manager of The National Trust’s Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Estate near Ripon, said: “This prestigious European accreditation is fantastic recognition for the areas of conservation within the National Trust’s ownership in the Yorkshire Dales and Harrogate area and their contribution to tourism. “Fountains Abbey and Malham Tarn Estate in particular have excelled in conservation work in recent years, caring for a World Heritage Site and National Nature Reserve respectively. “As a conservation organisation The National Trust is always pleased when contributions to sustainable tourism are highlighted; thereby raising the profile of nature conservation and environmental practices in the countryside.” Andy Tordoff, Head of Rural Renaissance and Tourism at Yorkshire Forward said: “The EUROPARC award will help to secure a stronger future for tourism businesses in the Yorkshire Dales and Harrogate Tourism Partnership area. It will provide additional marketing opportunities for businesses and make a positive contribution to this high-quality destination and the wider rural economy in the region”.
The verifier highly praised the National Park Authority’s work on the management of footpaths, green lanes and bridleways and gave a pat on the back to the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust. The internationally-recognised European Charter is awarded to protected areas that support “sustainable tourism” – tourism that contributes to local economic development while preserving the area’s natural and cultural resources. Current holders include Spain’s Parque Natural de Sierra Nevada, Italy’s Parco delle Alpi Marittime, as well as the Cairngorms in Scotland and the Brecon Beacons in Wales in this country.
Friday 20 June 2008
North Yorkshire Police have taken part in a European-wide crackdown on drink-driving. The campaign was part of TISPOL’s European-wide drink driving campaign. The operation coincided with the first full week of North Yorkshire Police’s Summer Drink Drive campaign and formed part of the force’s current road safety initiative, Operation Anvil, supported by the “95 Alive” York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership. TISPOL is the European Traffic Police Network, of which North Yorkshire Police’s Deputy Chief Constable, Adam Briggs is the current President. Officers breathalysed 315 motorists, which resulted in 9 positive breath-tests. A failure rate of 2.85%. Chief Superintendent Sue Cross, Head of the force’s Operations Directorate and Operation Anvil lead said: “This is encouraging and suggests that the message is getting through that drinking and driving is both socially and morally unacceptable. However, it is still 9 too many. “The risks are simply not worth it; the personal cost could mean the loss of your licence, a very heavy fine and the possible loss of your livelihood. A drink-drive conviction remains on your licence for 11 years. This could severely affect your chances of obtaining future employment. Compared to the cost of a taxi, it is a huge price to pay. “With warm weather, lots of summer events and the start of the European Football championships, we urge people to not mix alcohol and driving. Don’t give in to the temptation to drink and drive, stop and think about the risks. “A key feature of the campaign is the ‘Designated Driver Scheme’ and I would urge people to take responsibility for their actions and make use of this initiative. Local breweries have pledged their support and will offer discounted soft drinks to anyone wearing a ‘Des’ lanyard. “My officers will be patrolling the county 24/7 and will come down hard on law-breakers. There will be no hiding place for those who choose to put lives in danger.” North Yorkshire’s campaign will continue throughout the summer, focusing on events where alcohol is a regular feature, such as barbeques, sporting events and festivals. The “95 Alive” York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership have secured funding for free barbeque survival packs which are available with the purchase of al-fresco dining products at local supermarkets and DIY stores. The campaign also places heavy emphasis on the Designated Driver Scheme, including an arrangement with local breweries to supply cut-price soft drinks to all designated drivers wearing the Des lanyard. These are available free from bar-staff and with the barbeque survival pack.
Tuesday 10 June 2008
Transport Minister Rosie Winterton, who is also Minister for Yorkshire and the Humber, has paid a fact-finding visit to the Yorkshire Dales to see for herself the challenges in providing public transport for rural areas. Accompanied by Keighley MP Ann Cryer, she met representatives from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA), the Yorkshire Dales Society (YDS), North Yorkshire County Council and Natural England in Settle to discuss public transport issues in the dales and to learn about the Dales and Bowland Community Interest Company – set up by the YDS to promote sustainable travel in the Yorkshire Dales. The Doncaster Central MP also visited Settle and Malham and discussed the challenges involved in the provision of rural public transport services for local communities and visitors. Jon Avison, the YDNPA’s Head of Park Management, said: “More than 90 per cent of visitors access the Dales in private cars, creating congestion on the roads and in villages at peak times and, at the same time, creating a huge carbon footprint. “The provision of a modern, comprehensive public transport service is vital not only to give both visitors and local communities the choice of reducing their carbon footprint but also to provide those without access to private cars with the opportunity to visit and enjoy the wonderful countryside of the Dales. “The Minister’s visit has highlighted the need for all with an interest in the National Park and the rural economy – both private businesses and public bodies – to work in partnership to achieve this.” The Minister said: “It was an extremely valuable visit to one of our region's beautiful national parks – it is a gem of Yorkshire and the Humber. “I held discussion about local public transport, education and rural issues as well as hearing how local partners are working to protect the environment while supporting the local community.”
Monday 21 April 2008
Eight ‘green lanes’ in the Yorkshire Dales National Park are to be closed to recreational motor vehicles. The Access Committee of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) has decided to impose full-time Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) on the routes following a programme of full consultation. The Orders will be reviewed after five years. Jon Avison, the YDNPA’s Head of Park Management, said: “This is a milestone decision for the National Park Authority. For many years the Authority has been concerned about the effects of recreational motor vehicle use on a number of routes in the National Park. “New legislation has made it possible for us to apply TROs to eight of these routes. The application of these orders will help to preserve the peace and tranquillity of the National Park and enhance the enjoyment of other users.” Under new powers that came into force on 1 October last year, national park authorities are now able to impose TROs themselves instead of having to ask the local highways authorities to do it. This is the first time that the YDNPA has used its new powers. The eight routes that will be closed to recreational motor vehicles are: Street Gate to Arncliffe Cote Stockdale Lane Harber Scar Lane The Highway Gorbeck Road Cam High Road (Far Gearstones to Cam Houses) Old Ing to Cam End (Ling Gill) Horton Scar Lane / Foxup Road.
Archive News
Tuesday 24 October 2006
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Wednesday 07 May 2008
Liftshare.com Ltd has received one of the UK's most prestigious awards for business performance. The company, whose on-line journey-matching software has helped save UK motorists 50 million car miles, has been honoured with the Queen's Award for Enterprise in its Innovation category. "Sustainable innovation is what liftshare is all about," said founder Ali Clabburn. "A Queen's Award really encapsulates what we are trying to achieve - our high standards and the effectiveness of our journey-matching software has earned us a reputation as car share pioneers, not only within the UK but globally. "Every week, we are typically setting up three more companies with liftshare schemes. The Queen's Award will give us a massive boost in building our reputation both at home and abroad." Now in its 10th year, liftshare has come a long way from its humble beginnings of a university notice board. Ali has grown his student vision into a world leader in the field of on-line journey matching. Over 220,000 people have registered with the network and more than 1,000 local authorities, businesses, universities, hospitals, festivals and other community groups have worked with liftshare to establish their own car share schemes. An early pioneer of the social networking craze liftshare is now an old hand at bringing people together in order to help them travel more efficiently. A typical liftshare member saves themselves around £1,000 and 1 tonne of CO2 per year by sharing their daily journeys. "I love it!" says Rhyd Lewis, a liftshare member in Wales. "I effectively get given £3,000 per year to get chauffeured to work and save the planet!" More information on the annual Queen's Awards is available at www.queensawards.org.uk
Monday 28 April 2008
Passengers have been asking for simpler rail fares and train operators are responding by introducing a much simpler structure for rail fares across the National Rail network in 2008, it was announced today by the Association of Train Operating Companies. More widely-available discounts for railcards are also being introduced.
These changes were first trailed in the Government’s Railway White Paper, Delivering a Sustainable Railway in July 2007 (See Notes to Editors), which incorporated proposals made by the Association of Train Operating Companies.
The changes mean that three main ticket types for single and return journeys will be available on the rail network. The current names will be replaced by new names.
Simplified in two stages – in May and September 2008 - rail fares, whether single or return, Standard or First Class - will be grouped into the following three categories: Advance; Off–peak; Anytime.
i) From 18 May 2008, all advance purchase fares, many of which are substantially discounted, will be known simply as Advance and have common terms and conditions. Discounts for Railcards will now also apply. At present, discounts on railcards are not available on all advance purchase tickets.
Advance tickets are not a ‘walk on’ fare. They must be booked in advance for a specific train service and are available up to the day before travel. Current fare types that Advance tickets will cover have a wide range of names including Leisure Advance, Business Advance, Value Advance, SuperAdvance, Apex, etc.
ii) From 7 September 2008, ‘walk-up’ fares (i.e. tickets that passengers don’t have to buy in advance) will be grouped into two categories – Anytime or Off-Peak.
Anytime fares (singles and returns) can be purchased right up to the day and time of travel and used on any train without peak hour or any other restriction. Current ticket types that fall into the Anytime category include Open singles and returns.
Off-peak tickets are, as their name suggests, cheaper fares for travelling during periods when train services are generally less busy. They can be bought at anytime for journeys, including day returns, right up until the time of departure but they carry restrictions on the time or day of travel. Current ticket types that will become known as Off-peak include the Saver and Cheap Day Returns.
On some routes, where there are two off-peak fares, the cheaper fares will be called the Super Off-Peak. Current SuperSaver tickets fall into this category.
The new fare categories mean that passengers have only to choose from one of three ticket types when planning their journey and web sites and booking office information will reflect this. The changes are designed to enable people to buy the best value ticket to match their journey more easily.
Passenger feedback and research has suggested that people don’t always find it easy to buy the best value ticket to match their needs because of the range of different fares presently available. The new names are based on market research with customers and the findings are backed up by research undertaken by Passenger Focus, the main national passenger representative body.
Commenting on the changes, David Mapp, Commercial Director of the ATOC said:
“This is the biggest shake up in the fares and ticketing system for many years and we want passengers to take advantage of it and also encourage more people to take the train.
“Passengers have told us that they want a simpler fares system. We are listening and responding. These changes will enable people to buy train tickets more easily and with greater confidence.”
The price of train tickets will not be increased as a result of the new fares structure and the regulation of fares is unaffected.
There are a few ticket types that remain unchanged and which are not included in the new arrangements. (See item 4 in Notes to Editors)
Full details of the changes are being made via leaflets and posters at stations and also on the National Rail website (www.nationalrail.co.uk/simplefares).
Monday 28 April 2008
The use of Britain’s railways, as measured by passenger miles, is now at the highest level ever recorded in peace time, according to figures published today by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) in “ The Billion Passenger Railway”. * 30.1 billion passenger miles were generated in 2007 and the railway carried 1.213 billion passengers - an increase of 7.8% compared to the 1.125 billion passenger journeys made in 2006. George Muir, Director General of the Association of Train Operating Companies said: “The railway brings people together and, as measured by passenger miles, 2007 was a record year.” “This figure is higher than in 1946, the next highest year. For almost 80 years, from 1919 to 1995, rail travel stayed around 20 billion passenger miles each year; then twelve years ago something fundamental changed and the figure is now 30 billion and climbing. ” “This growth shows that more train capacity is urgently needed for our passengers, for the economy and for a green Britain.” The use of the railway was so high in 1946 because Britain was demobilising and returning to civilian life after six years of war. The railways then carried 29 billion passenger miles on a network one third bigger than today’s. (See link to graphic illustrating the strong growth trend). George Muir added: “2007 was a very successful year for the railway, which was capped by the opening of High Speed 1 to St Pancras International. People are increasingly turning to rail; not only is it a faster and more convenient way of travelling, it is greener than travelling on our congested roads and domestic air routes.” “Working closely with the Government and our industry partners, train operators are planning for the future when they will carry even more people. For example, work has started on the crucial Thameslink programme which will see more capacity into London from both north and south of London, and the Crossrail Bill, currently before Parliament, will provide much needed capacity on the East-West axis into London.” * “ The Billion Passenger Railway”, published by ATOC today, looks at the future and predicts that trains will be considerably lighter than today’s, reducing energy use per passenger and allowing faster acceleration and braking. Improved signalling will allow more trains to run closer together thereby increasing capacity, particularly on high density passenger routes, and growing the railway even further. High speed rail will help to reduce dependence on aviation for short haul journeys bringing Britain’s regions closer together in a greener reliable way.
Friday 04 July 2008
A major public consultation exercise is to be mounted by North Yorkshire County Council to give people in the Hawes area the chance to have their say on transport improvement projects. An initial consulation carried out through Stakeholder Workshops and a sample public survey has identified a number of transport issues which could be addressed. Now every postal address in the defined area will receive a detailed questionnaire seeking the views of everyone concerned on the issues identified, and improvements designed to tackle them. Hawes is one of twenty eight ‘Service Centres’ that serve their surrounding areas across North Yorkshire. The Service Centres will benefit from money made available through the Second Local Transport Plan. How the money is spent will depend to a large degree on the local priorities that are identified and the wishes of local residents and stakeholders. County Councillor John Fort, Executive Member for Highways, said: “This is a way of addressing local needs and reflecting local concerns by involving everyone in the local community. “We hope that as many people as possible will take the opportunity to express their views on the proposals being put forward. Funds have been specifically identified for the implementation of schemes in the Hawes area. “Among the proposals being put forward are traffic calming measures, improvements to junctions, improvements to public transport infrastructure and additional facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.” The full public consultation process begins with the delivery of questionnaires to every postal address within the strategy area. Local residents and members of the business community will be able to visit an exhibition in Hawes Market House, from 3:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday 10th July 2008, with a further session at Dales Countryside Museum on Saturday 12th July 2008 between 11:00am and 6:00pm. Staff will be on hand to explain what is being proposed and answer any questions which people may have.
Wednesday 30 July 2008
The A59 Skipton Road will be closed at Kex Gill (between Bolton Bridge and Blubberhouses) for two weeks from Monday 4th August. Whilst the road is closed buses on route X59 between Skipton and Harrogate will divert via Otley and Ilkley. For further details call Transdev Harrogate & District on 01423 566061.
Tuesday 10 June 2008
Summer walks in the Yorkshire Dales Visitors to the Yorkshire Dales will have a chance to enjoy the summer weather with a series of walks and outdoor activities this month.The list of events organised by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is: 13 June: The Victorian Kitchen – The Dairy, Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes, 11am to 4pm. Telephone 01969 666210. 14 June: Grassington Heritage Trail – discovery walk, Grassington National Park Centre, 2pm to 4pm. Telephone 01756 752691. 15 June: Bryson's Byways – guided walk, Malham National Park Centre, 11.10am to 3pm. Telephone 01969 652380. 15 June: Following the Sedgwick geological trail – discovery walk, Longstones common car park, 2 miles east of Sedbergh on A684, 2pm to 4pm. Telephone 01969 666210. 15 June: Hay meadows and minibeasts, Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes, 1pm to 3pm. Telephone 01969 666210. 15 June: Redmire Force and High Lane – guided walk, West Burton village green, 11am to 4.30pm. Telephone 01969 662910. 15 June: Introduction to digital photography – Computers, Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes, 10.30am to 4pm. Telephone 01969 666210. 18 June: Around Calver – guided walk, Reeth National Park Centre, 11am to 4.30pm. Telephone 01748 884059. 21 June: Haymeadows and waterfalls – discovery walk, Buckden car park, 11am to 3.30pm. Telephone 01756 752691. 21June: House history at Hawes – an afternoon of lectures and advice on how to look at the history of your house in conjunction with the North Yorkshire County Record Office, Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes, 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Booking essential £8. Telephone 01969 666210. 22 June: Haymeadows and waterfalls – discovery walk, Buckden car park, 11.30am to 3.30pm. Telephone 01756 751690. 22 June: West Burton Circular – guided walk, Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre, 11am to 3pm. Telephone 01969 662910. 25 June: Haymeadows and waterfalls – discovery walk, Buckden National Park car park, 11am to 3.30pm. Telephone 01756 751690. 25 June: Delightful Dentdale – guided walk, Dent village car park, 11am to 4pm. Telephone 01969 666210. 26 June: Wildlife of Snaizeholme – guided walk, Mirkpot House, 2pm to 4pm. Telephone 01969 666210. 28 June: Drystone walling demonstration, Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes, 2pm to 4pm. Telephone 01969 666210. 28 June: Grassington in Former Times (Lea Green) – discovery walk, Grassington National Park Centre, 11am to 3.30pm. Telephone 01756 752691. 29 June: Eccentrics and erratics – guided walk, Clapham National Park car park, 1.30pm to 5pm. Telephone 01729 825192. 29 June: Wharfedale Villages – guided walk, Grassington National Park Centre, 11am to 4pm. Telephone 01756 751690. 29 June: Kisdon Classic Circular – guided walk, Farmers Arms, Muker, 11am to 4.30pm. Telephone 01748 884059.
Monday 03 March 2008
Northern Rail has been crowned ‘Train Operator of the Year’ and ‘Rail Business of the Year’ at the prestigious 10th annual HSBC Rail Business Awards. The judges praised the north of England operator for its innovation and hard work in making a real difference to the communities it serves since it started three years ago. Northern, which is owned by a joint venture of Serco Group plc and NedRailways, has successfully attracted more than £60m of external investment to help improve trains and stations and passenger numbers have risen by nearly one-quarter to 80 million per year. The number of trains on time has risen from 83% to nearly 89% over the same period. The judges said: “We had little difficulty in giving the top marks to Northern Rail. The train operator has faced unprecedented growth (along with the rest of the passenger rail sector) and has had to deal with this without assistance, other than the subsidy agreed when the franchise was awarded to maintain a ‘stand still’ situation.” “Northern Rail has dealt with the problems in all sorts of innovative ways, including persuading Yorkshire’s regional Development Authority (RDA) to help finance additional rolling stock – something no other RDA in the country has done. “Northern Rail should be very proud of the way all its staff reacted to this challenge and the high level of service it is providing.” In addition to winning the two prizes, Northern was highly commended in the ‘Rolling Stock Excellence of the Year’ award. Heidi Mottram. Managing Director, Northern Rail said: “We are delighted to win these awards. They are fantastic recognition of the hard work put in by everyone at Northern and the huge contribution that our partners have made in helping us to make improvements for customers. “We are just over three years into our franchise and we are determined to build on our achievements so far and keep improving.”
Thursday 07 February 2008
Twenty five years of seatbelt wearing laws have helped save 60,000 lives, Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick revealed today. Seatbelts have prevented an estimated 60,000 deaths and 670,000 serious injuries since 31 January 1983 when seatbelts were made mandatory for drivers and front seat passengers. But on the 25th anniversary of the law change all passengers are being reminded to belt up in the back as well as the front. New research shows 9 out of 10 people agree it is dangerous to travel in the back of a car without a seatbelt but only 7 in 10 adults actually wear belts when sitting in the back. Jim Fitzpatrick said: "Tens of thousands of lives have been saved since the first law on wearing seatbelts was introduced 25 years ago. Government campaigns have helped increase the numbers of people wearing seatbelts to more than 90% for drivers and front seat passengers but too many back seat passengers are still not belting up. "With up to 15 drivers and front seat passengers killed each year by the impact of an unbelted rear seat passenger it is vital that everyone - young or old, travelling in the front or back - wears a seatbelt." The Department for Transport is undertaking a major research project into the use of and attitudes towards seatbelts and will use the findings to inform a new seatbelts campaign which will launch towards the end of 2008.
Seatbelts timeline: 1965: It becomes compulsory to fit seatbelts in the front of cars built in Europe. 1970: "Clunk Click" TV commercials, starring Jimmy Saville show the dangers of being thrown through the windscreen in a collision, as wearing rates are very low. 1983: Front seatbelt wearing regulations for drivers and passengers (both adult and children) come into force. 1989: Wearing rear seatbelts become compulsory for children under 14. 1991: It becomes compulsory for adults to belt up in the back. 1993: "Elephant" TV commercial, shot in black and white, demonstrates the danger presented by an unrestrained back seat passenger in a crash, who can be thrown forward with the impact of three and a half tons. 1996: "Peter Pan" and "Doctor" radio commercials aimed at increasing awareness among children and teenagers are aired. 1998: "Julie" TV commercial comes as a reminder that unbelted rear seat passengers can not only injure themselves, but can also kill other people in the car. 1999: A cinema commercial "Vectorscope" screened nation wide in cinemas along with the "Julie" commercial. 2003: "Backwards" TV commercial demonstrates, with the help of a flying pizza, the difference that a simple click can make between life and death. 2007: "Julie" TV commercial is re-aired to educate a new generation about the importance of wearing a seatbelt in the back of the car. Seatbelt facts: * 75 % of passengers thrown from a car die. Unbelted occupants are 30 times more likely to be thrown from a car. * In a crash at 30mph, if unrestrained, you will be thrown forward with a force up to 60 times your own bodyweight. * The latest surveys show 93 per cent of adult front seat passengers and 94 per cent of drivers wear seatbelts. For back seat passengers, 93% of children (under 14) and 70% of adults are secured. * All the safety features you paid for in your car were tested with the assumption you would be wearing a belt. Without a seatbelt, those safety features are not designed to work. * If you are not wearing a seatbelt and you have a crash, there may be implications for how much your insurer might pay in respect of injuries. * Once one person puts their seatbelt on, everyone else in the car is more likely to do so.
Thursday 07 February 2008
A new report launched today from theUK’s leading bus body, the Confederation of Passenger Transport, reveals a boom in bus use is helping to lift doom on the high street with almost a billion bus journeys last year used for shopping. Smart shoppers are getting back on board the bus in response to increasing congestion, rising parking costs and soaring fuel prices, leaving themselves more cash to splash in the shops. Released just days after the first reading of the Government’s Transport Bill in the House of Commons, On The Move – New Opportunities, New Passengers also highlights a significant year on year increase in bus travel of three per cent to 4.72 billion. The ‘bus bible’ showcases successful partnerships between local authorities and operators up and down the country that are enticing people back onto the bus. Significantly, On The Move also heralds the bus as a sustainable form of public transport. Bus operators are continuing to invest in younger models and trialing new low carbon fuels to make their fleets greener. On The Move facts: - Shopping mad: More people use the bus to go shopping that anything else, including going to work or to school - It’s better by bus: 167,000 people work in the bus industry, that’s more than on our railways and airlines combined - Belt up: Once again the bus is the safest form passenger transport on our roads - All aboard: More of our fleets are now low-floor access vehicles than standard access - Kings of the road: 48 billion kilometres of bus journeys were travelled last year –saving 8.1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions if the journeys were taken by car instead (figures from transportdirect.info) Launching On The Move in Leeds today, Rosie Winterton, Secretary of State for Transport, said: “Buses are a vital part of our local transport system. Two thirds of public transport journeys are made by bus, connecting people to essential services, to jobs, to leisure, to friends and family. On The Move is a true representation of the merits of our bus system in the UK and is testament to what can be achieved through vision, partnership and creativity.” Simon Posner, Chief Executive, Confederation of Passenger Transport, said: “For the second year in a row bus use is on the rise. On The Move illustrates the great strides made in many parts of the country to provide passengers with the high quality bus services they deserve. It is no coincidence that where strong partnerships exist between operators, local authorities and other stakeholders, the results are the most rewarding. Voluntary and statutory bus partnerships have shown it is possible to ensure that ‘putting passengers first’ is not just a contrived ideal, but a benchmark the public transport sector is committed to working towards.”
Tuesday 11 March 2008
Three members of the SELRAP committee traveled to London on March 10 to present the case for re-opening the Skipton-Colne railway line to Members of both Houses of Parliament. The group, headed by chairman Derek Jennings and including Andy Shackleton and Frank Filardo, addressed the All Party Parliamentary Rail Group in Committee Room 7 of the Palace of Westminster, quite an imposing venue and audience for a volunteer campaign group!! Some of the audience are seen in our pictures (2 attached), both of which show, from left to right: Gordon Prentice (MP for Pendle), Lord Tony Berkeley, Lord Bruce Grocott, Norman Baker MP, Lord Richard Faulkner and Kelvin Hopkins MP. SELRAP chairman Derek Jennings is seen on the far right of picture /2: the pictures were taken by Andy Shackleton – and note that the group are holding copies of SELRAP’s eye-catching ‘CravenRail’ newsletter!! Among others attending was Skipton and Ripon MP David Curry. Derek Jennings comments: “SELRAP’s campaign is really hitting the high notes, and we are increasingly recognised in high places as a more than just a volunteer group. The impact created by the campaign goes far beyond what one normally associates with such groups. Andy did his usual expert presentation on our campaign and we were then able to answer Members’ questions and discuss our aims further. SELRAP is very grateful to Gordon Prentice for having set up this meeting, and we are sure it will lead to a far better understanding of the case for re-opening the Skipton-Colne railway within Westminster, where our impact will grow over the coming months.”
Sunday 16 March 2008
The Easter weekend sees the start of several seasonal bus services in the Yorkshire Dales. Sunday and Bank Holiday DalesBus services will operate as follows during Spring 2008:
DalesBus service 806: Seacroft – Leeds – Ilkley – Cracoe – Grassington – Kettlewell – Aysgarth – Hawes - Service 806 operated on the following dates only: Sundays 23rd March, 6th April & 20th April 2008 - A revised bus service from Ilkley and Grassington to Buckden, with links to Hawes, will operate every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from the May Day weekend - click here for details. - These services continue to operate every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday - From 23rd March 2008 a new 09.15 departure from Ilkley will run on service 884 to Skipton via Bolton Abbey, The Strid, Eastby and Embsay (the 08.05 service X84 bus from Leeds connects with this service at Ilkley Bus Station) - This service runs every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 22nd March 2008 - Service 66A continues to run hourly throughout the day every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday - Service 24 continues to run four return journeys every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday - Services 156/157 continue to run approx. five return journeys every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday - This service runs on Tuesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from 18th March - For the 2008 season, one journey extends to Garsdale
- This service runs every Tuesday from 25th March All other weekday bus services in the Dales continue unchanged.
Sunday 24 February 2008
The Wensleydale Railway will reopen on Saturday 1st March with a new timetable, offering you nearly an extra hour in Wensleydale. Trains run between Leeming Bar, Bedale, Leyburn and Redmire. Services will initially run on Saturdays and Sundays, and will also operate on Tuesdays in April, May, June and October. During school holidays and throughout the months of July, August and September trains will operate seven days a week. A steam-hauled service is likely to operate from early August until mid September. Click here for full timetable details. The railway has also arranged a programme of guided walks, with two led by local author David Joy. Some of these walks require pre-booking - details on the Wensleydale Railway website. The Wensleydale Vintage Bus will restart on 18th March running on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, running from Ripon to Redmire, Hawes and Garsdale, connecting with the Wensleydale Railway.
Sunday 06 January 2008
A new bus service is providing weekday links between Wharfedale and Nidderdale from 7th January 2008. The new service links Long Ashes Park, Grassington and Hebden with Harrogate and Ripon, running via Stump Cross, Greenhow Hill and Bewerley. The buses will initially run on Mondays to Fridays during School Terms only, but if they prove popular they may be extended to also run during the school holidays. The services, numbered 11 and 12, are operated by Little Red Bus of Harrogate. Local OAP passes are valid for free travel on the new routes. The maximum adult day return fare is £6.00. Click here for full timetable details.
Sunday 30 September 2007
A varied programme of free guided walks, all accessible by public transport, is on offer in the Yorkshire Dales every Sunday during the Winter months. The walks are organised by Dalesbus Ramblers, and are designed to have easy connections with bus services 66A (from Keighley and Skipton), 806 (from Leeds, Otley, Ilkley and Grassington) and 24 (from Harrogate). The walks vary in length from 3.5 to 14 miles, and some walks are graded as easy and suitable for newcomers to country walking whilst others are more strenuous and suitable for experienced walkers. Full details of the walks a |
