Bus services across North Yorkshire are set to expanded under an investment plan hailed as “the biggest boost for buses in over a decade”.
Cllr Keane Duncan, executive member for highways and transport at North Yorkshire Council, said a £3.5m cash injection this year will fund more than 30 service improvements.
It includes new routes and expanded timetables in all corners of the county, from the coast to remote Dales communities.
Cllr Duncan said: “Two years ago, I reported that 79 bus services in the county were at risk. As a result of our efforts, passenger numbers are up and every one of those routes has been protected.
“This is a significant reversal of fortune. And I am pleased to confirm we are now able to go further, not just protecting existing services, but expanding them too.
“With £3.5m of extra funding, we are delivering the most significant boost for North Yorkshire bus services in over a decade.
“We’re able to fund more than 30 service improvements in all corners of the county, in our towns and in our rural communities too.
“We’re funding entirely new services and more frequent ones. Earlier services, later services and extra weekend services too.
“This is very welcome news for passengers, but it is of course vital that services are supported so they can continue in the longer term.”
The £3.5m package, using Bus Service Improvement Plan funding from the Department for Transport, will be considered by North Yorkshire Council's Executive later this month.
Full details of the routes due to be supported will be released by the council as soon as possible.