Filey's beloved "Little Bus" service remains out of action as despite ongoing efforts to revive the service, a combination of financial and logistical challenges casts doubt on its future.
The Little Bus, a community transport service operating in Filey, ceased operations last year when the long-time operator retired after 17 years. While they generously arranged for the bus to remain available for the town's use, finding a new operator has proven difficult.
Financial hurdles pose a significant challenge. A study conducted by Age UK Coast and Moors, who briefly considered taking over the service, concluded that approximately £50,000 per year would be needed to make the service viable. Neil Bradbury, Chief Executive of Age UK Coast and Moors, stated that despite exploring various relaunch models, a financially sustainable option remained elusive.
The condition of the bus itself adds another layer of complexity. While Councillor Sam Cross believes the bus is capable of running, a North Yorkshire Council report on the condition of the bus expressed significant concerns about its roadworthiness. The council inspection described the bus as being in a "dire state" and "unroadworthy", with little hope of it ever being fit for the road again.
Councillor Keane Duncan is North Yorkshire Council's executive member for Transport, he says there is currently no solution.
Several local stakeholders, including Filey Town Council, North Yorkshire Councillors, and Age UK, have been actively involved in seeking a solution. However, efforts to find a new operator have been met with no success.
Councillor Keane Duncan - says there isn't currently a viable plan for the bus, but there maybe an alternative.
North Yorkshire Council provided a grant of £2,500 to Age UK to support the Voluntary Car initiative. However, community members acknowledge that this scheme, while beneficial, cannot fully replace the comprehensive service provided by the Little Bus.
Filey's MP - Kevin Hollinrake - doesn't think the care share scheme can be the entire solution to the town's transport needs and says he is still working with other interested parties to try and find a better solution and says he will be meeting with Ryedale Community Transport this week.
Hunmanby Councillor, Michelle Donohue-Moncrieff, says thee has been interest from the York and North Yorkshire Mayor in exploring community transport options for Filey, Hunmanby and surrounding areas as part of a wider bus service improvement plan which is expected to get underway later this year.
While the future of Filey's community transport scheme remains unclear, it does now seem evident that reviving the Little Bus service in its previous form is unlikely.
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