Rural Bus Network Shake-Up Explored To Tackle Yorkshire Coast Connectivity

Bus services across the Yorkshire Coast could be transformed following a major study into the challenges facing rural public transport networks.

Bus networks across the Yorkshire Coast could undergo a major transformation as transport officials assess the feasibility of reforming rural services.

Coastal communities, including Scarborough, Whitby, Filey, and Pickering, are part of a pilot study examining how different delivery models, such as franchising, could improve public transport for residents and visitors.

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority received £564,000 from the Department for Transport to conduct the research. Between June and August 2026, the project engaged with stakeholders, community groups, and seldom-heard voices to identify key barriers and local priorities.

Bus Reform Officer Matthew Elliott explained the background of the study.

"The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority were one of five initial pilot studies funded by the Department for Transport to support national learnings on rural bus challenges and delivery.

The aim of the pilot is to consider the feasibility of different delivery options for bus services in rural areas based on an understanding of whether or how bus reform could contribute to the achievement of potential bus service improvements.

From June 2026 through to August, the consultant engagement team has heard from key stakeholders, community representatives and seldom heard groups."

The engagement report highlighted a range of challenges, including a lack of services in deep rural areas, limited early morning and weekend timetables, and perceived unreliability. In coastal areas, priorities include overcoming seasonal overcrowding, providing better local town connections, and supporting the evening economy with later services.

Mr Elliott outlined some of the feedback gathered from the public and stakeholders.

"There was a positive recognition of bus services made such as the supporting role of bus services in retaining the viability of villages in rural areas and the distinct role bus services play in achieving sustainable travel reducing emissions and reducing impact of congestion on rural tourist hotspots.

Stakeholders highlighted broader challenges as well. This included the impact of limited early morning evening and weekend services, a perceived unreliability of buses in some areas, and bus services perceived as not being attractive to users, who could elect to drive instead.

In places, we also heard the effect of transport-related social exclusion, difficulty in accessing health and social care,"

Specific concerns were raised regarding travel to medical facilities and workplaces. While some routes exist, residents in certain neighbourhoods feel isolated from essential services.

Mr Elliott noted the specific challenges faced by communities in and around Scarborough.

"Access to employment came out as very important in the Scarborough area, as well as movements to the hospital.

Wwhilst there is an existing service to Scarborough Hospital, there are some communities who expressed a desire to have access beyond outside of Scarborough, so thinking of areas such as Eastfield as well, who raised concerns around connectivity."

The lack of late-night transport has also been identified as a factor limiting participation in public life and impacting the local economy. Stakeholders warned that inadequate evening services restrict social activities and employment opportunities.

Scarborough Councillor Janet Jefferson shared her concerns about the impact on the town's nightlife.

"The evening services, that's quite important to Scarborough as apart from Eastfield, there are no buses basically after 6 o'clock, which does restrict people in what they want to do or participate in, and you can result in the town being more of a ghost town.

I did raise about park and ride with the suggestion, as in York they stayed open till 10:00."

The findings from the engagement report will support recommendations for network proposals. Transport officers are currently working to understand what short-term steps can be taken to improve the bus system, with final recommendations from the study due in late October 2026.