n By Mark Metcalf
And Laura, who is prevented from driving due to a rare syndrome, moved to her parents’ house in Thornton Le Dale 30 years ago for “a few months but stayed because it is beautiful and public transport is good”. Coming back from the Co-op in Pickering, she adds, “Shopping there is affordable, but only because I can use the bus rather than having to pay for a taxi.”
Two years ago, the Malton-Whitby part of the 840 route was under threat of being withdrawn in April 2023. A local campaign was run and immediately collected over 1,300 signatures in a few days.
BBC Look North news interviewed passenger Cathy Morgan, who was part of the fight to save the service. She was left with epilepsy because of a stroke. “Like my other elderly neighbours I rely on the bus, which today I am using to make part of a journey to York, getting off the bus at Malton and getting the train as it is quicker, to make sure I am on time for an important appointment. I also use the buses for social activity like trips to the coast.
“We are fortunate to have the bus and the drivers are also warm and
welcoming,” explains Cathy, who was delighted when the campaign stopped any reduction in the 840 service.
According to Cath, “for the older generation especially, social interaction is often an important part of their journey. They see regular drivers as a friendly face who they can have a chat with.
“This interaction is vital for people who may live alone in quite isolated places. The ability to leave the house and interact with others is a massive positive for mental health.”
To enhance these services the CPT report advocates targeted investment in rural buses.
Cath agrees. “Rural bus journeys always risk being cut on cost effective grounds. But their value goes way beyond the financial by allowing people freedom to participate in everyday life.
That includes passengers such as Christopher Heriot, who uses “the bus a lot for days out to Scarborough and York to have some fun and to catch the sea and sunshine.”
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Bus drivers see the positive impact our service makes with people living in these villages and it is a privilege to know we are making a difference to their daily lives
Cath Mawson,
Unite branch secretary and Yorkshire Coastliner driver
Says Cath, “Support is imperative to ensure bus operators continue to operate. Bus drivers see the positive impact our service makes with people living in these villages and it is a privilege to know we are making a difference to their daily lives.”
The Rural Services Network have backed the report’s conclusions with chief executive Kerry Booth stating “we must ensure rural communities are not left behind. Investing in better bus services is critical to unlocking rural prosperity and helping rural communities.”
*Fare correct at time of interview
Community spirit – Cathy and Brenda often meet on the bus 23 uniteLANDWORKER Winter 2024
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All photos: Mark Harvey
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