As rail strikes which have brought trains across the UK to a standstill look set to continue, Transdev in northern England reports it’s already seeing a surge of up to 52% in ridership on its express bus link between two Yorkshire cities.
The big 52% rise in customers on the bus firm’s flagship Cityzap route linking York and Leeds was recorded on the second rail strike day last Thursday (23 June 2022) – after the same route also saw a 40.5% rise on the first train strike day last Thursday, compared with numbers using Cityzap before the rail walkouts began.
A limited daytime train service ran between York and Leeds on the three strike days – but the advantages of city center to center bus travel in ‘Sky Class’ comfort and at lower fares proved enough to attract many to switch and save with Transdev’s Cityzap express.
Transdev’s other Yorkshire routes providing an alternative to trains also report significantly increased numbers on board, with its ‘Aireline’ buses between Keighley and Leeds welcoming 44 per cent more customers on Thursday’s second rail strike day, and a 30 per cent rise on its 36-route linking Harrogate and Leeds on the same day.
As well as fulfilling our full timetable, extra buses were operated on a number of routes across Yorkshire so customers could experience our services in comfort. It is heartening to see people choosing the bus, rather than feeling obliged to stay at home or resort to the car. We originally launched our Cityzap route to offer a best-value alternative to the train and enable modal shift from the car, and we welcome everyone who has made the switch to us over the last week as we aim to win over many new customers to stay with us in future.
Alex Hornby, Transdev UK CEO
Our amazing ‘Sky Class’ luxury twin-deck buses offer quality and luxury at much lower fares compared to the train. A standard anytime day return by train between York and Leeds costs £19.90, but with Cityzap it’s just £11 – while season ticket holders paying £65.30 for seven days’ rail travel between the same two cities can save with our Gold 7 pass at only £40 and enjoy unlimited bus travel across hundreds of in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Greater Manchester without paying another penny.
Alex Hornby, Transdev UK CEO
Transdev’s unique ‘Sky Class’ buses are packed with premium features, including comfortable coach seats in individual lounge and spacious group layouts, wireless and USB device charging, fast and free Wi-Fi, double glazing, and a glass ceiling.
Powered by low emission engines, each bus is driven by a dedicated, friendly team from Transdev’s York base – with on-board announcements provided by popular BBC Look North weather forecaster Paul Hudson.
The service runs every hour across the day, seven days a week – with ticket holders also able to use Transdev’s regular Coastliner service between the two Yorkshire cities until late evening at no extra cost.
Full details of all Transdev UK bus routes and fare deals are available online at: transdevbus.co.uk and on its free-to-download ‘Transdev Go’ mobile app.