Fight for half-hourly trains to coast to continue

The mayor says improving transport links to coastal areas is a priority

A mayor has said he remains committed to fighting for a half-hourly train service between York and Scarborough.

Transpennine Express, which operates the route on an hourly frequency, said it had no plans to change its timetable.

The Labour mayor for York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, said he was "disappointed" with the company's stance and would continue to hold meetings with its representatives.

Following his election in May, Skaith said improving transport links in coastal areas was a priority and that meetings with train operators in the region were under way to realise the plans.

The mayor told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the rail operator's public comments did not reflect "the private conversation that we've had with them".

"I found that disappointing because we have got plans in place.

"We've put a specific team together with TPE, with Network Rail, and with the government to really drive that plan forward."

He said there would be another meeting "in a couple of weeks' time where we're going to keep pushing that need for that half-hourly train because we're still really determined".

As part of the York and North Yorkshire devolution deal, the mayor and Combined Authority will have new powers and funding to integrate local transport.

Skaith said: "We have a team who have been designing our transport plan going forward and we will take control of transport from April and we're going to combat the real challenges around buses in particular and active travel elements."

Mr Skaith has said he is also looking at developing stations including at Scarborough, Seamer, Thirsk, Malton, and Haxby.

Alison Hume, Scarborough and Whitby's Labour MP, has also called for a half-hourly train service between Scarborough and York.

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