“Residents deserve action, not delays, on Dial & Ride replacement”

Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson Councillor Stephen Fenton has raised serious concerns that nearly two years after York’s Dial & Ride service ceased operating, the Council still has no clear plan for reinstating a replacement service. 

A report to the council’s Place Scrutiny Committee on 25 November sets out only a proposed scope for a future study, with no proposed timescale for restoring the service. The £20,000 study – funding for which was approved in February – is not expected to report back until sometime in 2026. 

Cllr Stephen Fenton said: 

“Residents will be appalled to learn that, almost two years after the Dial & Ride service closed, there is nothing more than a proposal to begin a study. There is no timeline for a replacement service, simply a list of questions the Executive want consultants to look at next year. 

“Council has already recognised that disabled and older residents have been badly affected by the loss of this service and have backed the Lib Dems’ call for action on bus accessibility and national reform of disabled bus pass rules. The unanimous support for our motion at the council meeting on 6 November shows there is a shared understanding of how serious this issue is. But the report for Place Scrutiny shows a depressing lack of urgency – the funding for this study was agreed nine months ago, so why has it not been prioritised?” 

The scrutiny work plan also notes that a meaningful “one year on” update on Dial & Ride was expected following the Task & Finish Group’s recommendations in June 2024 but has not been delivered. 

Cllr Stephen Fenton added:

“Many councillors hear from people every week who cannot get to the shops or to see friends because they can’t reach a bus stop. This is affecting people’s ability to live independently. Residents need this service restored. The Liberal Democrats will continue to keep up the pressure until a credible replacement scheme is brought forward and older and disabled residents get the accessible transport they deserve.”