Arriva Yorkshire discussion

[Seehof]

Are there any plans for new or different buses for the 415?

 

[YorkRailFan]

Are there any plans for new or different buses for the 415?

Rumours (purely Rumours) upthread of E400s from Merseyside cascading to Selby in the future.

 

[M60lad]

Having ridden on quite a number of Merseyside E400s in the past I think these would be a good idea for 415s as most of them are quite good at setting off and do have a good turn of speed when their on the right route and would be quite suited to 415s and probably would easily stick to the timetable apart from the times when traffic is bad.

 

[YorkRailFan]

Arriva has posted Easter Travel information for all their opcos. Yorkshire seems to be a standard Sunday service on Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Yorkshire
Good Friday 3 April
Sunday service
Saturday 4 April
Normal service
Sunday 5 April
Normal service
Easter Monday 6 April
Sunday service

Bank holidays

Plan your bank holiday activities and get there by bus. Check back here for details of our bank holiday bus timetables for your area.

www.arrivabus.co.uk

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Mar 2026 ==

Free travel on all Arriva services within West Yorkshire on 12 April:

Enjoy free bus travel across West Yorkshire on Sunday 12th April 2026 as our thank you for your continued support.

We’re celebrating the arrival of 50 new buses - and inviting you to take a trip on us. Whether you’re shopping, visiting loved ones or exploring somewhere new, leave the car at home and enjoy a comfortable, easy day out.

We can’t wait to welcome you on board.

Free travel applies to all Arriva bus services within West Yorkshire on Sunday 12th April 2026. No ticket needed. Normal timetables and capacity limits apply. Offer excludes Arriva Yorkshire services into York and North Yorkshire, including Selby.

Arriva Bus

www.arrivabus.co.uk

 

[Ballyheigue]

Don't know if this has been brought up before, but firstly are some areas over bussed and secondly are some timetables over padded? The 229 falls into both groups because every time I use it, be it a weekday or weekend, it never seems all that busy. I use it at times you expect it to be busy. Saturday at around half 4 you'd expect more than a handful to board from Huddersfield onwards, but up until at least Birstall that's exactly what happened. As for the timetable, well it set off on time, it had a massive diversion up Bradford Road to Bradley Bar then down the Ring Road to Leeds Road so you'd expect that to eat up time, but it still had a 10 minute wait in Heckmondwike! There is no doubt even with a bit of traffic on Leeds Road that wait would have been longer. Every time I use this service on a Saturday morning, it always has several waits along it's route such as at Geldard Road by the Ring Road where I've boarded, Birstall Retail Park, Heckmondwike and once even a 4th wait down near Cooper Bridge!

I'd personally say a bus going the whole way every 30 minutes is about right for this route with speeded up journey times during quieter periods regardless if it upsets the standard timetable. Why should I have to wait just because someone can't be bothered to look up and write down the time the bus they want comes at, or carry a timetable about? Memorable timetables with long wait times, meaning unnecessarily long journeys at quieter times, won't get people out of cars. Huddersfield yesterday ironically was busy for a change, something to do with some food market, yet the bus wasn't. That says a lot really. Are people from heavily populated areas North of Heckmondwike such as Gildersome, Birstall, and White Lee put off by the excessive journey time? Having a bus every 15 minutes clearly isn't driving loads onto the bus all day every day throughout the route as I've experienced, it felt more busier when it was every 30 minutes.

 

[Andyh82]

Why are you complaining about getting a quiet bus? Isn’t that the dream?

Buses on late Saturday afternoons, on a week with no football, will be quieter than at midday. You seem to inadvertently arguing against a logical standard timetable and in favour of First’s AI timetables…?

Maybe when the Weaver Network starts they can drop the frequency back to half hourly!

 

[mattb7tl]

Don't know if this has been brought up before, but firstly are some areas over bussed and secondly are some timetables over padded? The 229 falls into both groups because every time I use it, be it a weekday or weekend, it never seems all that busy. I use it at times you expect it to be busy. Saturday at around half 4 you'd expect more than a handful to board from Huddersfield onwards, but up until at least Birstall that's exactly what happened. As for the timetable, well it set off on time, it had a massive diversion up Bradford Road to Bradley Bar then down the Ring Road to Leeds Road so you'd expect that to eat up time, but it still had a 10 minute wait in Heckmondwike! There is no doubt even with a bit of traffic on Leeds Road that wait would have been longer. Every time I use this service on a Saturday morning, it always has several waits along it's route such as at Geldard Road by the Ring Road where I've boarded, Birstall Retail Park, Heckmondwike and once even a 4th wait down near Cooper Bridge!

I'd personally say a bus going the whole way every 30 minutes is about right for this route with speeded up journey times during quieter periods regardless if it upsets the standard timetable. Why should I have to wait just because someone can't be bothered to look up and write down the time the bus they want comes at, or carry a timetable about? Memorable timetables with long wait times, meaning unnecessarily long journeys at quieter times, won't get people out of cars. Huddersfield yesterday ironically was busy for a change, something to do with some food market, yet the bus wasn't. That says a lot really. Are people from heavily populated areas North of Heckmondwike such as Gildersome, Birstall, and White Lee put off by the excessive journey time? Having a bus every 15 minutes clearly isn't driving loads onto the bus all day every day throughout the route as I've experienced, it felt more busier when it was every 30 minutes.

The timetable is definitely over the top to the point where you hear other passengers audibly complain at timing points. Despite this, it still ends up being an extremely unpunctual bus service, goes to show you cannot solve infrastructure problems with timetables.

 

[Ballyheigue]

Why are you complaining about getting a quiet bus? Isn’t that the dream?

Buses on late Saturday afternoons, on a week with no football, will be quieter than at midday. You seem to inadvertently arguing against a logical standard timetable and in favour of First’s AI timetables…?

Maybe when the Weaver Network starts they can drop the frequency back to half hourly!

You might want to read it back again, journey times are way too long given all the waiting around which is my complaint. They could be speeded up significantly by reducing all the long waits which clearly aren't needed many a time when passengers themselves complain about all the hanging around. I think half hourly is actually right for such a route given every 15 minutes has been tried for some time now and I've not seen an increase in passenger numbers, in fact I've seen a decrease.

 

[Kaliwax]

Former Arriva Yorkshire Spectra has entered preservation with the White Rose Bus Group

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Mar 2026 ==

Spectra 722

 

[YorkRailFan]

Is there any news for the dealer stock Enviros?

 

[John B]

You might want to read it back again, journey times are way too long given all the waiting around which is my complaint. They could be speeded up significantly by reducing all the long waits which clearly aren't needed many a time when passengers themselves complain about all the hanging around. I think half hourly is actually right for such a route given every 15 minutes has been tried for some time now and I've not seen an increase in passenger numbers, in fact I've seen a decrease.

First of all , tell me how you’ve seen a decrease of passengers on the total daily passengers using 229. If you haven’t seen every trip both directions before and after then your statement is nonsense. I use 229 quite often and find loadings are reasonable. Between 1545 and 1730. I have never seen a 229 decker depart from Huddersfield with less than a standing load.
Giving ample running time allows the driver time to do the job with less stress making the possibility of retaining staff more viable.
As for you having to sit on a bus for 5 minutes at a timing point, well life’s a bitch.

 

[buslad1988]

You might want to read it back again, journey times are way too long given all the waiting around which is my complaint. They could be speeded up significantly by reducing all the long waits which clearly aren't needed many a time when passengers themselves complain about all the hanging around. I think half hourly is actually right for such a route given every 15 minutes has been tried for some time now and I've not seen an increase in passenger numbers, in fact I've seen a decrease.

Sadly bus operators can’t win - make timings too tight without flexibility for rush hour traffic/roadworks then drivers are stressed, chasing time and passengers are frustrated with late running and complaining.

Add in some flexibility then passengers are now annoyed they’re having to sit to wait time on the occasional days traffic is quiet.

As mentioned by another poster, I’d prefer a clock face timetable over any of the rubbish AI scheduling First are throwing up these days.

I’m not sure if it’s just a target to complain about Arriva as sometimes is the case in this thread.

On a seperate note in relation to the recent news regarding refurbishments by Arriva around the country I’d imagine the ex Warrington E200MMC’s will all be done! The seats are badly faded throughout and the ‘social areas’ at the back are a mess and need ripped out in place of a normal layout.

 

[YorkRailFan]

Driver Trainer E400 LJ08 CXR has transferred from Arriva North West to Arriva Yorkshire.

 

[Ballyheigue]

Sadly bus operators can’t win - make timings too tight without flexibility for rush hour traffic/roadworks then drivers are stressed, chasing time and passengers are frustrated with late running and complaining.

Add in some flexibility then passengers are now annoyed they’re having to sit to wait time on the occasional days traffic is quiet.

As mentioned by another poster, I’d prefer a clock face timetable over any of the rubbish AI scheduling First are throwing up these days.

I’m not sure if it’s just a target to complain about Arriva as sometimes is the case in this thread.

On a seperate note in relation to the recent news regarding refurbishments by Arriva around the country I’d imagine the ex Warrington E200MMC’s will all be done! The seats are badly faded throughout and the ‘social areas’ at the back are a mess and need ripped out in place of a normal layout.

It's not occasionally however, it's a regular occurance. So, would you like to board at Geldard Road on a regular basis, say on a Saturday around 9am, wait 5 minutes until time has arrived to depart, wait another 5 to 10 minutes at Birstall and wait another 10 minutes at Heckmondwike? Bus companies can monitor journey times and adapt when time is excessive like that regardless of how much it upsets those who want a fixed timetable, no drivers in their own car would wait up to 20 minutes at several locations to complete a simple journey if they wern't stuck in traffic so why are bus passengers told to wait? Things are getting so bad, drivers are asking passengers if they would like to get off to stretch their legs or have a smoke, it feels like a coach journey down to Holyhead lol!

 

[YorkRailFan]

The first of the dealer stock E200 MMCs (3023) has entered service. Hopefully the rest of them will follow soon.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Apr 2026 ==

E200 MMC 3025 has now entered service (confirmed on Arriva Yorkshire Enthusiasts as well)

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Apr 2026 ==

Confirmed by Arriva Yorkshire Enthusiasts that E200 MMC 3024 is now in service.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 Apr 2026 ==

E200 MMC 3027 is now in service.

 

[YorkRailFan]

E200 MMC 3028 is now in service.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Apr 2026 ==

E200 MMC 3026 is now in service.

 

[Kaliwax]

Versa 793 has turned up at South Pennine Community Transport

 

[Old Yard Dog]

Arriva driver takes short cut and strands two dozen football fans in Emley.

After the Emley v Bradford play off final which went to extra time & pens, some 20+ fans waited at Emley Cross for the late running 1811 232 to Wakefield. Despite being able to clearly see the queue, the driver turned left at the junction, missing out the loop through the village and the stop where the fans were standing. There isnt another bus for an hour. A bloody disgrace

 

[Kaliwax]

Looking at Bustimes, buses have missed out the loop since earlier this afternoon. I don't think the driver would have skipped it on purpose. Most likely have been told by management to do so.

If a bus driver skips out bits of the route on purpose, drivers will easily soon know about it.

 

[Old Yard Dog]

Walked half a mile back to previous stop to make sure I didn’t get caught out again. Which is just as well as the driver of the 1857, which I alomst missed,took the same short cut. The driver said he was only obeying orders. Others had walked to stops beyond the village loop. This was long after the parked cars causingthe problems had gone. Huddersfield bound buses were also missing the loop.

Basically an awful day. Losing on penalties, having to go the long way round from Ellesmere Port via Wakefield as Huddersfield station was shut and getting home 2 hrs later than planned between 2300 and midnight if nothing else goes wrong. 1930-2000 if I’ddriven. And another season to look forward to in this b….y parks league

 

[buslad1988]

This was long after the parked cars causingthe problems had gone. Huddersfield bound buses were also missing the loop.

So… there reveals what the real problem was. Not bus drivers just merrily skipping out parts of routes as to what suits them.

A common problem for all operators throughout the UK caused by inconsiderate road users who park stupidly with ignorance as to the problems they cause within the wider community. Pure selfishness.

Yes - you may have noticed the problem had cleared. But how would Arriva know that? For all they knew they could be sending (presumably) another vehicle in to get stuck.

 

[Old Yard Dog]

Phoning Emley FC and asking them to make a tannoy announcement would have helped!

Very few people would have wanted to travel from Emley to Wakefield or Huddersfield at 1811 on a Saturday other than football supporters. But never mind the passengers aslong as the drivers aren’t delayed.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 May 2026 ==

P.S. The BusChecker app also gave no indication that stops were being missed

 

[Kaliwax]

Arriva Yorkshire E200minis 1026 and 1027 have left to go to Hemel Hempstead today

 

[yorksrob]

Well, we're stuck with the rubbish Sunday service on the bank holiday.

Of course, as well as being sparse throughout the day, it now doesn't commence until 9:00, therefore is pretty rubbish if you need to get anywhere.

 

[LkmtvMetatarsl]

Walked half a mile back to previous stop to make sure I didn’t get caught out again. Which is just as well as the driver of the 1857, which I alomst missed,took the same short cut. The driver said he was only obeying orders. Others had walked to stops beyond the village loop. This was long after the parked cars causingthe problems had gone. Huddersfield bound buses were also missing the loop.

Basically an awful day. Losing on penalties, having to go the long way round from Ellesmere Port via Wakefield as Huddersfield station was shut and getting home 2 hrs later than planned between 2300 and midnight if nothing else goes wrong. 1930-2000 if I’ddriven. And another season to look forward to in this b….y parks league

Small world, as a "Parks League" Garforth supporter I thoroughly enjoyed our 3-1 win over Avenue in March - up the Miners!

 

[Old Yard Dog]

Garforth were excellent that day

 

[treydolton15@g]

1053, 1425 and 1507 all withdrawn

 

[YorkRailFan]

Also reported that SB200 Commander Training Bus 1407 has been withdrawn.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 May 2026 ==

List of Arriva service changes from 17th May published by Metro:

135 Pontefract • Chequerfield Sun 17 May 2026 Operated by Arriva A revised timetable will be introduced to improve punctuality and reliability
...
147 Wakefield • Normanton • Pontefract Sun 17 May 2026 Operated by Arriva The 147 will continue to connect Wakefield, Pinderfields Hospital, Altofts, Normanton and Pontefract. It will run hourly Monday to Saturday daytimes. It will run every two hours Sunday daytimes for the full route, and every hour in conjunction with the 157. Service 147 will run every two hours all evenings from Wakefield to Normanton Market Place, and every hour in conjunction with the 157.

157 Wakefield • Castleford • Pontefract Sun 17 May 2026 Operated by Arriva A new service will be introduced. The route is as follows: Wakefield – Pinderfields Hospital – Altofts - Normanton Industrial Estate - Cutsyke – Castleford – Airedale - Spital Hardwick – Pontefract. There will be an hourly service Monday to Saturday daytimes. Service 157 will run every two hours on Sunday daytimes for the full route, and every hour in conjunction with the 147 Wakefield to Altofts. It will run every two hours every evening from Wakefield to Normanton Market Place, and every hour in conjunction with the 147.

186 Wakefield • Normanton • Castleford • Junction 32 • Pontefract Sun 17 May 2026 Operated by Arriva This service will be withdrawn and replaced by services 144, 146 and 187.
187 Wakefield • Normanton • Castleford Sun 17 May 2026 Operated by Arriva This new service will be introduced to connect Wakefield, Kirkthorpe, Normanton and Castleford and to replace service 186 between Wakefield and Castleford only. The Ross Travel 144 and 146 service will replace the section between Pontefract – Junction 32 and Airedale. Service 157 will replace the service through Spital Hardwick. There will be an hourly service Monday to Saturday daytimes and every two hours on Sunday daytimes.

https://www.wymetro.com/media/wcvpowrb/public-transport-changes-may-2026-16001.pdf

 

[YorkRailFan]

Looks like the Versas will be staying a little while longer at Arriva Yorkshire as 794 has been repainted to Journey Mark.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 May 2026 ==

From 1 June, Arriva will be operated the Evening & Sunday journeys on the 118 between Wakefield and White Rose Centre formerly operated by Yorkshire Buses:

From Monday 1 June, Arriva will be operating the Evening & Sunday journeys for service 118 between Wakefield and the White Rose Centre. Here is the timetable

https://www.wymetro.com/plan-a-journey/travel-news/bus-travel-alerts/yorkshire-buses/

 

[yorksrob]

It seems that Arriva are just as much of a crap show in North Yorkshire as in West. And you can't even ask anyone about the non-existant bus because the call centre's closed.

I wonder how much of our money this free market bastion is sending abroad.

The sooner this company is dissolved, the better.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 May 2026 ==

Surprise surprise, another Arriva no show.