CityZap surges during rail strike
Transdev is reporting a surge in passengers of up to 52% on its CityZap service between York and Leeds during the rail strikes.
The 52% rise in customers was recorded on the second rail strike day (23 June 2022), after the same route also saw a 40.5% rise on the first day of industrial action. The percentages are in comparison with numbers using CityZap before the rail walkouts began. A limited daytime train service ran between York and Leeds on the three strike days.
Transdev’s other Yorkshire routes providing an alternative to trains also report significantly increased numbers onboard, with its ‘Aireline’ buses between Keighley and Leeds welcoming 44% more customers on Thursday’s second rail strike day, and a 30% rise on its 36 route linking Harrogate and Leeds on the same day.
“It is heartening to see people choosing the bus, rather than feeling obliged to stay at home or resort to the car” – Transdev CEO, Alex Hornby
Transdev CEO, Alex Hornby, said: “As well as fulfilling our full timetable, extra buses were operated on a number of routes across Yorkshire so customers could experience our services in comfort. It is heartening to see people choosing the bus, rather than feeling obliged to stay at home or resort to the car.
“We originally launched our CityZap route to offer a best-value alternative to the train and enable modal shift from the car, and we welcome everyone who has made the switch to us over the last week as we aim to win over many new customers to stay with us in future.
“Our amazing ‘Sky Class’ luxury twin-deck buses offer quality and luxury at much lower fares compared to the train.
“A standard anytime day return by train between York and Leeds costs £19.90, but with CityZap it’s just £11 – while season ticket holders paying £65.30 for seven days’ rail travel between the same two cities can save with our Gold 7 pass at only £40 and enjoy unlimited bus travel across hundreds of miles in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Greater Manchester without paying another penny.”