The Dales Integrated Transport Alliance (DITA) is hoping for record numbers of young people using the bus this summer. The £1 fare will be available on all services operating in the Dales from 20th July to 1st September–at any time of operation. This should free young people—and the “taxi of mum and dad”–as they travel throughout the area pursuing leisure and casual work opportunities at a cost of £1 per journey.
DITA started the “One Way £1” initiative in October 2012, having listened to young people and local communities in the Dales who are concerned that the varying and high fares that young people have to pay put barriers in the way of access to social opportunities, access to 
part-time work and educational activities outside normal school hours.
The routes include:
- No. 24 service from Harrogate up into Nidderdale
- Services running from Richmond and Northallerton into Wensleydale and Swaledale
- Services running from Skipton up into Wharfedale
For details of available routes and operators, visit www.dalesconnect.net
The increase in young people as users of bus services since October 2012 has been over 50% on average. The scheme is available after 5 pm on weekdays, and at any time during weekends and the school holidays
Helen Flynn, DITA Chair, said:
What we hope is that we have a ‘bus ride bonanza’ in the Dales over the summer months, so that young people get into the habit of using the bus. If we get a significant increase in regular users, we hope to use the data to help persuade national Government that for a relatively small subsidy–or possible even none–fares can be affordable, simple and consistent for young people nationally.
DITA has worked in partnership with the North Yorks Youth Council, North Yorks County Council and local bus operators to develop the scheme. The scheme grew out of the Craven Youth Council’s “Ride around for a Pound” scheme that took place during the month of August in both 2011 and 2012. North Yorks County Council is now rolling out the
“One Way £1” fare in Scarborough and Selby Districts for the summer holidays this year.
