The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA) has become a member of the Urban Transport Group (UTG), which is the UK’s network of transport authorities.
Such a step takes to 15 the number of UTG members. Nine of those are Principal Members – the highest tier – and six are Members. YNYCA is part of the latter cohort. It was established in February 2024 and is led by Mayor of York and North Yorkshire David Skaith, who was elected three months after creation.
York, Harrogate, Selby and Scarborough along with rural areas of North Yorkshire are part of YNYCA. Mr Skaith aspires to the creation of an integrated transport network in the region.
As part of the recent spending review, it was announced that YNYCA would be one of five local authority participants in what the government has described as a “franchising pilot” for bus services.
UTG additionally notes how the pilot will help to build the foundations for working rural bus franchise models and lead studies into how bus services operate across urban, rural and coastal communities.
Mr Skaith says that bringing YNYCA into UTG “will be key” to improving public transport in the region.
“It will give us direct access to the group’s knowledge and experience at a key time as we build the transport network that York and North Yorkshire deserves. We are already leading the way nationally on rural bus franchising – and we will bring what we are learning across our rural, urban and coastal areas to the table,” he continues.
“Together we will make public transport more affordable, more accessible, and more reliable for everyone. That means connecting people to jobs, education and each other, and reducing our environmental impact.”
In March Mr Skaith signed a White Rose Agreement with mayors of South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire. It will champion Yorkshire and work across shared priorities, including bus services and rail connectivity.
Adds UTG Director Jason Prince: “We are delighted to welcome York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority as a member.
“With its ambitions for a better connected, accessible and affordable integrated transport network, this is the opportune time for YNYCA to become part of our network of transport authorities, which continues to go from strength to strength. We look forward to working together to improve transport across this key region of England.”
