East Yorkshire Buses is pleased to announce the launch of
Service 15 — a brand-new
trial Sunday service running from
25 January 2026 until Easter, reinstating Sunday bus links for residents in
Woodthorpe,
Bishopthorpe, and along
Bishopthorpe Road.
This will be the
only Sunday service for these communities, which have been without public transport since the previous route was withdrawn during the Covid pandemic.
Responding to Community Needs
The introduction of Service 15 follows growing calls for improved transport connections in York Outer. Local MP
Luke Charters recently raised the issue in Parliament, highlighting the lack of Sunday services for Bishopthorpe residents.
He said:
“I’ve been working hard to secure a Sunday bus service for Bish, and I’m delighted to see East Yorkshire Buses responding so quickly to the needs of our community. For too long, residents have been left without a reliable way to get into York on Sundays—whether for work, shopping, worship, or to see family and friends.
This trial is a really positive step, and I urge residents to make full use of it so we can secure a lasting, sustainable Sunday service for the future.”
Cllr
Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, welcomed the new route, noting that residents have long campaigned for the return of a Sunday link.
“Together we can deliver the valued transport links our residents need that better help connect communities.”
Support from the York and North Yorkshire Mayor
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:
“Time and time again, residents across York and North Yorkshire tell me that the lack of reliable bus services is a huge barrier—whether it’s getting to work, seeing family and friends, or simply going into town. That’s why restoring these vital Sunday links matters so much, especially for rural and suburban communities that risk being cut off.
I want to thank Luke Charters MP for his work in highlighting this gap for the Bishopthorpe community — just one of many rural villages without a Sunday service. This new trial service is a hugely positive step forward, and I’m delighted to see East Yorkshire Buses responding so quickly to local concerns.”
A Partnership Built Around Local Voices
Stuart Fillingham, Commercial Director at East Yorkshire Buses, added:
“This new Sunday service is a great example of what we can achieve when we stay close to the communities we serve. It’s been fantastic working with local stakeholders to bring this service forward and ensure it truly meets community needs.
Service 15 is a commercially funded trial that restores a vital link for local residents and complements our weekday and Saturday services on routes 12 and 14. We’re excited to see how it develops—if people use and support it, we’ll be in a strong position to consider expanding Sunday travel even further.”
