Moorsbus success could see service return in 2026

Visitors could take the M3 bus service (pictured) into the North York Moors after travelling on the M1 Moorsbus from Hull

A bus service between Hull and the North York Moors could be operated again next year after it proved to be popular during this summer, Hull City Council has said.

The M1 Moorsbus service operated between Hull, Pickering and the moors every Sunday and bank holiday Monday from May to September this year.

A total of 2,249 passengers boarded the M1 in 2025, with 1,317 of these originating from Hull and the East Riding, according to Hull City Council figures.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, Hull City Council's portfolio holder for transport, said: "There is a customer demand for this service and we will be looking at what can be done to deliver this again next year."

The M1 service departed from Hull Paragon Interchange, picking up from Cottingham, Beverley Bus Station, Driffield and Malton Railway Station before arriving in Pickering.

Passengers could then change for the M3 service, from Pickering to the North York Moors.

'Big hit'

The council said over 3,800 people rode both the M1 service and the M3 service during this year's summer season.

The M1 service was brought back this year with funding from Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, through their respective bus service improvement plans, with cash allocated from the Department for Transport.

Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: "I'm very pleased the Moorsbus was a big hit once again with passengers from our areas, enabling them to experience the beauty spots of North Yorkshire."

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