Beaming sunshine as high-spec, low emission open-top tour buses debut in front of city’s most iconic landmark
August 12th was just a perfect day – beaming sunshine and a gleaming new red open-top tour bus in front of York’s magnificent Minster!
VIP guests from Yorkshire’s business and tourism communities joined the team from Transdev’s CitySightseeing York to officially launch a new fleet of high specification, low emission buses featuring smart new interiors, stylish seating and mobile device charging at every seat.
More than 50 key figures representing tourism agencies, visitor attractions and transit authorities attended the open-air event, held just four days after parent company Transdev doubled the frequency of its CitySightseeing York bus tours to run every 15 minutes, seven days a week.
After a blessing for the new buses given by The Revd. Canon Maggie McLean, Canon in Residence at York Minster, Transdev CEO Alex Hornby told guests: “This is a very proud moment for the whole team at Transdev and our CitySightseeing York operations, as we welcome everyone to discover this historic, diverse and friendly city from our four new open top buses.
“As we celebrate our 20th year of touring York, we wanted to do something special and this investment proves our long-term commitment to CitySightseeing and tourism in York during what has been a successful, yet delayed, start to the usual season. We have increased our timetable to run every 15 minutes so guests can hop-on and hop-off and make the most of our city.
“We believe these high-spec, low-emission buses – boasting free Wi-Fi, USB power, a 10-language speaker system and Clean Air Zone-ready – will bring comfort and enjoyment to our guests, whilst our revitalized team of local bus drivers and live, on-board tour guides will entertain and inform the thousands we welcome every week.”
Welcome to Yorkshire CEO James Mason said: “The increasing numbers of people enjoying these tours is in line with everything we’re hearing from tourism attractions here in York and across Yorkshire – visitors are choosing Yorkshire in increasing numbers for a holiday or short break, and no wonder as we have so much to discover and enjoy.
“The CitySightseeing open-top buses give a unique vantage point to enjoy the best views of all the unmissable sights of York, including Clifford’s Tower, the City Walls and of course the magnificent York Minster – and the guides certainly bring the experience to life with lots of stories of the city’s past and present.
“York stands at the heart of Yorkshire’s visitor economy and makes an ideal base to discover Yorkshire, including the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and our coastline. After a challenging period for everyone in tourism it’s very encouraging to see many people enjoying all that York has to offer in a safe and comfortable way on these impressive red open-top tour buses.”
The introduction of the new buses to City Sightseeing York’s tours comes after tourism agency VisitEngland awarded CitySightseeing York its “We’re Good to Go” ‘tourism tick’ confidence mark. To qualify, the bus tour operator demonstrated that all social distancing and cleanliness measures are in place on each of its buses – giving visitors added reassurance that they’re in good hands.
CitySightseeing York tours follow a circular route currently serving 20 stops around the city every 30 minutes from 9am to 4.30pm every day. Customers are free to hop on and hop off all day to enjoy York’s attractions, or simply relax and take in the unrivalled 360-degree views of all the most popular landmarks.
Exclusive ‘Transdev Treats’ discounts for attractions, eateries and more are also available by showing a CitySightseeing York ticket.
CitySightseeing York buses call at or close to all the major sights, including:
- York Railway Station, for the National Railway Museum
- Museum Gardens, for the Yorkshire Museum, St Mary’s Abbey, Mansion House, Yorkboat River Cruises and the Visit York Information Centre
- Exhibition Square, for York Minster and the City Art Gallery
- Monk Bar, for the Richard III Museum
- The Stonebow, for The Shambles, York’s Chocolate Story and Merchant Adventurers’ Hall
- Clifford’s Tower, for the Castle Museum, York Dungeon and the Jorvik Viking Centre
Each tour ticket lasts a full 24 hours, allowing visitors who arrive in the city later in the day to continue their sightseeing the next morning. Those who book online are also covered by the tour’s Rainy-Day Guarantee – if it rains on their booked tour day, visitors can use their ticket instead on any other day that week.
For those staying in York for a holiday or short break, Transdev’s buses can also take visitors on a journey of discovery beyond the city. Its Coastliner services cross the North York Moors to the historic port of Whitby and travel to the perennial seaside favorite, Scarborough – while its express Cityzap buses provide a fast and great value way to reach the sights and shops of Leeds.
Details are online at: transdevbus.co or the free to download Transdev Go mobile app.