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Train operator LNER is currently providing a subsidy for the popular Northallerton-Bedale-Leyburn-Aysgarth-Bainbridge-Hawes Sunday and Bank Holiday DalesBus 856 service from its Customer and Community Investment Fund. This is because the company recognises the great value of the service to local people and visitors to the area, with connections provided at Northallerton station for passengers boarding and alighting from trains.
In recent years, a number of local and regional businesses, local councillors and other donors have also generously provided funding for this service. The 'Wensleydale Flyer' 856 runs all year round, through wonderful scenery and into the National Park.. Valid passes for free travel are accepted - but unfortunately the service doesn't qualify for support from NYCC's transport budget. Although there is much talk of possible government funding for future bus services, at present no reassurance can be given about the continuation of the DalesBus 856 beyond Easter 2022 when the LNER funding ends. A written approach is therefore being made to all the 19 town and parish councils along the 40 mile route between Northallerton and Hawes (and other parish councils close enough to it for their residents and visitors to use the service). The aim of the volunteers making this appeal is to raise a substantial proportion of the subsidy required for the financial year 2022-2023 for formal approaches to be made to external bodies for match-funding. Today's motorists may feel that bus services have nothing to do with them (except during snowy conditions or when the car is being serviced or repaired!). However the pressures and impact of rising fuel prices and climate change may bring a dependency on public transport that most people can barely imagine as yet, Donations or sponsorship from individuals, local businesses and organisations, would also be very welcome. Donations can be made online via Local Giving, and if you would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities or payment via bank transfer please get in touch with us here. We hope local support will help secure the future of this remarkable through service, which connects four market towns and all the villages between them with three return services every Sunday and Bank Holiday. Comments are closed.
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