Recently, bus company Transdev bought the independent bus company Reliance Motor Services. This meant that they have taken over routes: 30, 30x, 30xs, 31x, 40, 162 and 155. Since they started, the delays and cancellations have become increasingly frequent. The 30XS has been delayed by up to 45 minutes and usually is around 15 - 20 minutes late. Some buses have been cancelled - unlike reliance who had a "better late than never" viewpoint. I have been delayed in my journeys and missed rail connections a lot, myself as well as missing my valuable education. 

On a Sunday a few weeks ago I spoke to a bus driver that had to be called in - apparently if he didn't then there would be no service on the 30 between York and Easingwold. 

This is simply not good enough. 

Reliance demonstrated that a good service can be run in the area. So why can't Transdev take their example and start operating a correct service. If not I believe that someone in the dft should judge their future in the area.

I don't think it is right to let children suffer in the cold waiting for a bus that may not come. Do you?

[Update] 22/12/25

We have now seen several timetable changes by Transdev that simply haven't worked. From route changes to route merges the only thing changing is an increase in the lack of capacity provided.

We did see a glimpse of hope when Mayor David Skaith promised to start using bus franchising in North Yorkshire but no steps have been taken yet to solve our issue. Note: The Combined Authority has control over integrated bus services not North Yorkshire Council

Another recent experience I had was waiting 50 minutes outside at the bus stop for my school bus 30X which was never officially cancelled but never ran either. After those 50 minutes I contacted the bus company to ask questions and after 10 minutes on hold I received contact from the bus company. I explained the situation and they said they would contact their depot. However, apparently no-one picked up. This is a fault that couldn't happen with reliance as they were managed at their depot whereas York & Country are managed in Harrogate. This meant I arrived at school at 11:03 (2 hours and 47 mins Late) 2 hours and 47 minutes that could be saved by a nationalised service or independent bus company.

Please keep sharing the petition so we can make a difference to the communities in our area. We aren't well connected so the bus service is a life-line for those who can't drive and especially young people.

If you would like to add your own experience please enter them in the comments section.