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04
Apr 2022
Harrogate bus plans in tatters after government rejects £116m funding bid
Ambitious plans to transform buses in North Yorkshire were dealt a stunning blow today when the county was completely overlooked for funding.
North Yorkshire County Council applied for £116million from a UK government scheme to improve buses outside London.
The county council warned last month it was unlikely to receive the full £116million after government funding for the Bus Back Better initiative was slashed from £3billion to £1.4billion.
But officials were left shocked today when North Yorkshire didn't receive a penny, with the government suggesting their plans lacked ambition.
It means plans to create better and more affordable buses in the county will have to be reconsidered.
Harrogate a priority area
Congested Harrogate had been earmarked as a priority area in North Yorkshire to benefit from funding. New bus lanes and a park and ride were among the upgrades planned.
Michael Leah, assistant director of travel, environmental and countryside services at the council, said:
Read more:
- £7.8 million awarded to help make Harrogate Bus Company’s fleet all-electric
- Bus strategy ‘hollow’ without more money, says Harrogate Bus Company boss
'No funding for areas lacking ambition'
The government awarded funding today to 31 councils, city regions and unitary authorities — and some will implement fare cuts of up to 45% from next week.
A Department for Transport statement said:
The funding means passes for unlimited bus travel across Cornwall — one of the successful bidding areas — will be reduced from £9 a day to £5.
Despite today's setback, Mr Leah said:
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