The YDPTUG has now been in existence for over ten years, and has evolved from around 20 concerned bus users to a membership of around 400.
The YDPTUG’s mission statement is to "campaign for accessible and affordable public transport in the Yorkshire Dales for visitors and residents".
The group may not even have formed if the original Dalesbus network had been kept in place. However, this was not to be and during the previous few years key bus services had been withdrawn and others re-timed, resulting in poor connections with other services. In an attempt to reverse this worrying trend the YDPTUG was formed during June 1996. The thinking behind this was that the group would become a coherent body to voice the growing concerns of the Dalesbus users to the respective bus companies and the National Park Authority. An important factor in the establishment of the group was that very few Dalesbus users had access to a car and therefore were totally dependant on public transport in order to explore what is arguably the most picturesque National Park in Britain. It is felt that it is important to provide a fully integrated public transport network as a viable means of getting around.
There are also other important issues which predominate; those of local economics and environmental impact. A fully integrated public transport network would have a knock on effect in enhancing job opportunities as well as increasing leisure interests for the residents within the Yorkshire Dales. The other main issue is that of sustainability. By the year 2010 (or earlier), it is predicted that the fastest growing traffic problems will occur not in the urban cities but in the rural areas. Do we want increased pollution and consequently a reduced quality of life within the National Park and the surrounding countryside?
With all the above in mind the YDPTUG have embarked on a steep learning curve in order to address these key issues.
It has been a very exciting, busy period for the Yorkshire Dales Public Transport Users Group who in their brief history have undertaken numerous key projects including:
- working with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and North Yorkshire County Council on public transport issues, putting forward ideas and feedback from the perspective of the bus user
- liaising with the relevant bus companies and organisations such as F.o.S.C.L.
- directly funding bus services
- promoting and marketing Dalesbus services, and providing couriers on the "Fountains Flyer" and "Nidderdale Rambler" bus services
- organising seminars to discuss transport issues and producing detailed reports and analysing passenger questionnaire forms
- establishing a presence on the World Wide Web with their own website at www.dalesbus.org
- developing the Dalesbus Ramblers guided walk programme
- establishing, in partnership with the Yorkshire Dales Society, the Dales & Bowland Community Interest Company
Planning, marketing, monitoring and performance feedback are key cornerstones in developing a quality bus and train network and the YDPTUG have been heavily involved in all these important areas.
Looking to the future, the group could well extend its original aims campaigning for a network of buses linking with the Settle - Carlisle railway. 2008 will see the launch of new Summer Sunday service 808 linking Ribblehead Station with Wensleydale.
We would like a service for the Dales similar to the very successful ‘Moorsbus’ services in the North Yorkshire Moors, which continues to prosper in contrast to the ongoing cuts made to public transport funding in the Yorkshire Dales area. We see the Nidderdale and Forest of Bowland Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty as part of the same travel area as the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
In 1993, a survey conducted by the Institute of Transport Studies of Leeds University, concluded:
‘There also needs to be the development of a body to co-ordinate the development and operation of public transport times to ensure that there are connecting services and that the ad-hoc image that is currently presented is changed.’
The Yorkshire Dales Public Transport Users Group aims are exactly that.
JUNE · Group formed by concerned passengers incensed at service losses isolating Upper Swaledale and Nidderdale
JULY · Affiliation with the Yorkshire Dales Society
AUG · Membership of the National Federation of Bus Users gained
OCT · First issue of Group’s Newsletter, ‘Wheels in Motion’
DEC · Meeting with Keighley and District and Harrogate and District bus companies to discuss 1997 Dalesbus network. A major breakthrough for the passenger.
FEB · Group’s suggestion to Harrogate and District for two re-routings on X97 Leeds- Richmond service implemented.
APRIL · Group’s suggestion to Yorkshire Dales National Park for increased frequency of service 807 Garsdale Station- Swaledale - Hawes to re-establish 1995 connections implemented.· Group’s suggestion to Keighley and District to run service 804, Leeds- Malham - Sedbergh, on Bank Holiday Mondays in addition to Saturdays implemented
MAY · Production and distribution throughout Dalesbus network of Group’s computer generated ‘easy’ read timetables to eliminate confusion among existing and potential passengers· Group contacted by Harrogate Borough Council for suggestions/ advice / recommendations on services linking West Yorkshire and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
JUNE · Group members began acting as couriers on the Nidderdale services generating income for group funds.
AUG · Membership package launched.
SEPT · First A.G.M. held with 25 members present. Guest speaker, Dr Jim Burton of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Management Committee.
OCT · Group publishes ‘Nidderdale AONB Public Transport Survey’ 26 page document highlighting conclusions drawn from inaugural season of collaboration between YDPTUG and Harrogate Borough Council
MARCH · Group organises highly successful seminar ‘Public Transport in the Yorkshire Dales - Towards an Integrated Future’ jointly with the Yorkshire Dales Society.
APRIL · Group produces dedicated ‘easy read’ timetables for display in 19 villages in Upper Wharfedale in collaboration with Craven Voluntary Action’s ‘Grassington Project’.· Group sponsored 4 Sunday buses into the Dales, previously not risked by operator, which were highly successful due to the Group's advertising and promotion campaign. · Group generate more easy read timetables for the Yorkshire Dales National Park’s tendered services, designed to be specific for each Dales village and displayed in appropriate locations
MAY · Nidderdale services commence with an extended season as well as extended routes following Group's discussions with Harrogate Borough Council. Group members again act as couriers and lead guided walks from the bus.
NOV · Group's second A.G.M. with over 45 members attending. Guest Speaker: Mr Andy Ryland, the newly appointed Visitor Management Office at the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Group's website is launched
DEC · Production of the Group’s second Nidderdale Public Transport Survey, including analysis of questionnaire data as well as providing positive ideas and recommendations for future years
Overall another very successful year, highlights included:
restoration of service 803 from West Yorkshire to Swaledale
new Dalesbus service from West Yorkshire to Malham
new weekday bus service from Ilkley to Grassington and Buckden
Group sponsorship of monthly Dalesbus throughout the winter months
the Group undertook its first membership survey
production of a third Nidderdale Report
JAN - many members celebrated the New Millennium with a trip to the Dales, on one of 4 Dalesbuses running to Hawes over the Christmas/New Year period
FEB - the YDPTUG sponsored winter Dalesbus to Hawes attracted around 130 passengers and required 3 buses to transport the crowds!
APRIL - Summer network launched in Western Dales, featuring through buses from Morecambe, Lancaster, Dewsbury and Wakefield for the first time. Sadly, no contracts were awarded to Keighley & District Travel who had provided the Dalesbus network for many years.
MAY - Summer network launched in the Eastern Dales, featuring new services from York and a shuttle bus to Fountains Abbey. Despite intense efforts however the Group failed to stop the withdrawal of the 803 to Swaledale, and the Saturday 800 service to Hawes.
JUNE - The Group held its first official Saturday meeting, concerns were expressed by members about some of the new operators on the network, and the non-operation of the 803 and Saturday 800 this year.
JULY - The Group welcomed the introduction of through services to the Dales from Middlesbrough and Manchester for the first time. These services were planned by the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with funding from the Countryside Agency.
NOVEMBER - A monthly winter service on route 800 began, supported for the first time by NYCC. Two additional journeys in Spring 2001 again supported by YDPTUG. The Group's A.G.M. was held in Ilkley with a good turnout of members, despite disrupted rail services due to flooding. Ruth Annison updated members on the progress made in recent months by the Wensleydale Railway Company.
DECEMBER - Group's newsletter "Wheels in Motion" is re-launched in full colour.
JAN - On 28th Jan service 800 from Hawes to West Yorkshire is operated by a double-decker for the first time.
FEB - A bad month for the Group and the Dales. The UK was hit by Foot and Mouth disease, causing a ban on walking in the Dales and cancellation of the Group's guided walk. The Group's planned meeting with the Chief Executive of the National Park cancelled due to heavy snow.
MARCH - Continued spread of Foot and Mouth disease forced cancellation of winter Dalesbus 800. Summer services in Wharfedale announced, including more buses from Leeds to Hawes, but the withdrawal of the through bus from Bradford to Hawes. Group holds first, very productive, meeting with David Butterworth, new Chief Executive of the National Park.
APRIL - Group, in conjunction with National Park, produces a leaflet of 7 tarmac walks for use during the ongoing foot and mouth restrictions
MAY - The Group welcomed the introduction of two new bus services for a trial period of a year, running hourly from Skipton to Bolton Abbey, and from Skipton to Grassington. Committee members delivered almost 600 leaflets door to door in the Grassington and Threshfield areas promoting local buses. Committee members produce and display timetables in villages in Upper Nidderdale.
JUNE - The Group reaches its fifth birthday, although celebrations are delayed due to a number of outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease in the Grassington area. Around twenty members attend general meeting in Otley.
JULY - Service 803 to Swaledale and the Saturday service 800 are reintroduced under contract to the Yorkshire Dales National Park for a three month period, marking the end of the Group's campaign for the restoration of these services. Group produces bus stop timetables for display at Ribblehead and in Upper Wharfedale and Swaledale.
AUGUST - Group welcomes the introduction of brand new low-floor easy access double decker buses on Burnley & Pendle service X43 from Manchester to Hawes.
NOVEMBER - The Group's campaign for a weekly bus throughout the Winter on service 800 is successful, as a regular service to Hawes continues throughout the Winter months. Representatives of the Group are invited to a meeting with YDNPA in Middleham to push for increased funding for public transport in the dales.
DECEMBER - At short notice, the Group steps in to financially support a bus from West Yorkshire to the Grassington Dickensian Festival on the first three Saturdays in the month.
2002
MARCH - Group Chairman, Howard Handley, met with Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael to lobby for increased funding for the National Parks.
JUNE - The Group welcomes extended seasons on a number of services including the X43 from Manchester, the Saturday service 800 and the Sunday service 803 via Swaledale, all of which run from June through until the end of October. The Queen celebrated her Golden Jubilee, with leisure Dales bus services running for four consecutive days over the extended bank holiday.
JULY - Group holds first promotional day in Leeds City Bus Station, closely followed by similar events in Grassington, Skipton and Bradford, to increase awareness of Dales buses. The Group welcomes it's 300th member, Mr Graham Chamberlain of Kettlewell.
NOVEMBER - The Group's campaign for the restoration of a Winter Sunday bus service in Nidderdale finally comes to fruition, with five return journeys being provided on Harrogate & District's route 24. The Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Mr. David Butterworth, attends the Group's AGM in Ilkley.
DECEMBER - The Group again steps in to support a special bus service to the Grassington Dickensian Festival, which this year saw increased loadings despite poor weather.
2003
APRIL - the Group co-ordinates the production of a new full-colour information booklet, entitled "Explore Nidderdale", incorporating tourist information and full bus timetables for the area. 18,000 copies are distributed to information centres and other local outlets.
OCTOBER - the Group launches its most extensive ever walks programme under its new Dalesbus Ramblers brand, offering a total of 20 walks over the winter months. A full colour booklet is produced in conjunction with the Target project to promote the walks.
DECEMBER - The Group's support for the Grassington Dickensian Festival bus service is boosted by a series of short guided walks.
2004
JANUARY - the Group expresses concern at planned reductions to the Dalesbus routes, following the termination of Countryside Agency "Wider Welcome" funding. A campaign to influence key decision-makers is started.
APRIL - following the success of the Winter Walks programme, an even larger walks programme is unveiled by Dalesbus Ramblers for the summer season. 15,000 promotional booklets are produced and distributed.
MAY - the User Group steps in to fund a monthly service on route 803 from West Yorkshire to Hawes via Swaledale, following the decision by NYCC and YDNPA to not support this service. Unfortunately other Dalesbus routes disappear completely for the summer season, including Saturday service 801 from West Yorkshire to Keld, Sunday services 806 from Bradford to Grassington and 33 from Leeds to Bolton Abbey; and weekend service 808 from West Yorkshire to the Western Dales and Lake District. The Group is however successful in ensuring the retention of other long-distance Dalesbus routes, including the 800, 802, 804 and 807, which had been threatened with withdrawal.
MAY - a second edition of "Explore Nidderdale" is produced, and publicity materials for the "Nidderdale Rambler" and "Fountains Flyer" services are distributed throughout Nidderdale.
JUNE - Dalesbus Ramblers hold their first overnight event, a "Malham Walking Weekend", based at the local youth hostel. It proves so successful that a similar event is arranged for September in Kettlewell.
NOVEMBER - A partnership led by the YDPTUG is established to fund the continuation of Winter Sunday service 805 from West Yorkshire to Hawes. Reliance Motor Services of York are directly contracted by the YDPTUG to operate the service for 20 weeks.
2005
JANUARY - the YDPTUG are one of a number of organisations working together to form a Yorkshire Dales Sustainable Travel Partnership.
MAY - the Group again funds the operation of service 803 from West Yorkshire to Swaledale, with the service increased to operate on eleven dates this year.
NOVEMBER - continuation of the Winter 805 service is secured with YDPTUG again contracting the service, with some financial support from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority
2006
JANUARY - the Group responds to North Yorkshire County Council's contracted bus service review, highlighting the importance of the many bus services in the Dales which have been threatened with withdrawal.
FEBRUARY - following the service review, the YDPTUG works with other members of the Yorkshire Dales Sustainable Travel Partnership to optimise the Summer Sunday DalesBus network, with retimed buses and YDPTUG suggestions for improved services from Grassington to Kettlewell and in the Ripon area are implemented.
MAY - Sunday service 803 from West Yorkshire to Hawes via Swaledale is increased to operate every week throughout the Summer, funded by the YDPTUG and the YDNPA. The YDPTUG, in conjunction with YDNPA, launches the Dales Experience Bus - a new monthly service into the Dales from Huddersfield and Bradford.
JUNE - the YDPTUG celebrates its 10th anniversary.
JULY - a tenth anniversary edition of the Group's newsletter "Wheels in Motion" is produced in full colour. Click here to download a copy. (1.8MB PDF file)
2007
FEBRUARY - in partnership with the Yorkshire Dales Society, the Group establishes the Dales & Bowland Community Interest Company.
APRIL - the Dales & Bowland Community Interest Company launches a Sunday bus service between Ilkley and Skipton, branded Cravenlink, replacing links lost in June 2006. The service, together with the Dales Experience Bus, is funded by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's Sustainable Development Fund.
MAY - following the withdrawal of funding by NYCC and YDNPA for Dalesbus services 802 and 803, the Group steps in to fund these services running on alternate weeks throughout the peak summer season.
DECEMBER - User Group Treasurer Mick Williams appears on BBC "Look North", together with Cllr John Blackie, to highlight concerns about the imminent withdrawal of DalesBus service 805.
2008
JANUARY - following the withdrawal of service 805 from Leeds to Hawes due to new EU tachograph regulations, the Group trials a new "service 806" using coaches operated by Godsons of Leeds. Unfortunately the size of the coaches forces a diversion via Cracoe, and increased operating costs reduce the service to operating every 3 weeks during the Winter months. MEP Timothy Kirkhope joins User Group Chairman Howard Handley on service 806 to find out more about the problems created by the tachograph regulations.
APRIL - Nationwide free off-peak bus travel is introduced for OAPs throughout England, including all bus services in the Yorkshire Dales.
The YDPTUG are keen to encourage more people to join the group and support the improvement of public transport in the Yorkshire Dales. Members receive a newsletter, including information on public transport changes.
Membership is £8 per household, or £5 for individual membership, and donations are welcomed.
To join the Group, please click the "Membership Form" link below, then click on the PRINT button on your browser. This will print out a form which gives details of how to join. Then click on the BACK button on your browser to return to this page.
This webpage is part of the Dalesbus Website,
provided by the Yorkshire Dales Public Transport Users Group
All information is provided in good faith, but we cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies. Please check details before travelling. This site also contains a number of external links the inclusion of which does not signify any endorsement. The YDPTUG is not responsible for the contents of such sites, or any links contained within them.