North Yorkshire County Council has put a number of alternative travel arrangements into place following the decision by the trustees to wind up the Harrogate-based community transport operator, Little Red Bus.
The company told the council last week that it was going into liquidation at the end of July as a result of a long-standing loan, the repayments of 
which can no longer be afforded. The company’s directors said Little Red Bus was also suffering a reduction in activity in operations as a result of the economic situation, which has removed the economies of scale on which the organisation depended.
A spokesman for North Yorkshire County Council’s Integrated Passenger Transport Service said:
We are very sorry that the Little Red Bus company has had to take this action.
The company provided a highly-valued service for many people living in the more remote parts of North Yorkshire, and it is extremely sad that it can no longer continue to function.
The county counciil has made the following temporary alternative arrangements, which will come inito effect on Wednesday (31 July), when Little Red Bus ceases to operate:
78A Skipton – Airedale Hospital
An alternative service will be provided from Thursday 1st August 2013 by NYCC.
DR07 South Craven Village Bus
An alternative service will be provided from Thursday 1st August 2013 by NYCC. This is a demand responsive service which can be booked by phoning 0845 872 52 82
DR06 North Craven Taxi Bus
Aa replacement service using existing in house Fleet vehicles and staff from Monday 5th August 2013.
DR04 South Harrogate Village Bus
We will provide a replacement service using NYCC Fleet vehicles and staff from Monday 5th August 2013. This is a demand responsive service which can be booked by phoning 0845 872 52 82
23 Harrogate – Burnt Yates – Markington Circular (Wed only)
A replacement service using NYCC Fleet vehicles and staff from Wednesday 7th August 2013. This is a demand responsive service which can be booked by phoning 0845 872 52 82
Harrogate Demand Responsive Services – Harrogate Town Area
A replacement service using NYCC Fleet vehicles and staff from Monday 5th August 2013. This is a demand responsive service which can be booked by phoning 0845 872 52 82
581 Settle – Clapham – Kirby Lonsdale
Replacement contract service should be introduced on 1st August by Kirby Lonsdale Coaches
210 and 211 Skipton – Malham
Aa replacement service using existing NYCC Fleet vehicles and staff from Thursday 1st August 2013.
X59 Harrogate – Skipton (Sats)
No plans to replace this service.
Really sad news. The little red bus used to provide transport to Forest School. The service was really reliable and punctual.