Trivia: Most profitable rural bus routes

[Deerfold]

So that they can concentrate on the 36 between Harrogate and Leeds which is the most profitable part of the operation.

That's not part of Coastliner.

Even if it were, why would you cut any clearly profitable services?

 

[Stan Drews]

That's not part of Coastliner.

Even if it were, why would you cut any clearly profitable services?

Coastliner certainly hasn’t been a huge money spinner for many years. The 36 wasn’t startling either, although Transdev weren’t looking for the double digit returns that the big UK PLCs were aiming for.

 

[Andyh82]

I think it started to become less profitable when free bus passes and NYCC’s famously low payment rates came about. Plus Yorkshire Coastliner Limited is a lot more than just the Coastliner services these days. It also operates some North Yorkshire rural tenders, York city tenders, Cityzap, York Citysightseeing and Leeds Bradford Airport Flyer services

 

[Spaceflower]

Free bus passes for the elderly I think hit profits. Not sure how these are subsidised (anyone?) but would assume this subsidy forms a good part of the routes revenue now given the aging population in this part of the world.

Arrivas x93 between Middlesbrough, Whitby and Scarborough was always busy too.

You know, the coastliners are still busy and they're full of free riders but reliability has also been a huge, say huge problem on this route, especially in the summer. Anyone based in Yorkshire/NW who have attempted to drive to the coast in summer may well appreciate just how bad the A64 can be. So bad that planning connections at York and Malton is a massive waste of time even with overly generous connection times.

The route out of Leeds to the Dales to the north west is just as bad. Thank goodness for the railways!

 

[Eyersey468]

Free bus passes for the elderly I think hit profits. Not sure how these are subsidised (anyone?) but would assume this subsidy forms a good part of the routes revenue now given the aging population in this part of the world.

Arrivas x93 between Middlesbrough, Whitby and Scarborough was always busy too.

You know, the coastliners are still busy and they're full of free riders but reliability has also been a huge, say huge problem on this route, especially in the summer. Anyone based in Yorkshire/NW who have attempted to drive to the coast in summer may well appreciate just how bad the A64 can be. So bad that planning connections at York and Malton is a massive waste of time even with overly generous connection times.

The route out of Leeds to the Dales to the north west is just as bad. Thank goodness for the railways!

Payment for the free passes for the elderly/disabled depends on the council, in some areas it is a set amount per pass in others its a percentage of the average fare.

 

[Spaceflower]

I'd say the potential profit is there but under the current conditions, it must just be one of the most challenging to operate.