Drystone Radio

Three transport projects created by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) have been praised in Government guides to good practice.

A Department for Transport (DfT) guide for local authorities highlights the Dales Bus Discount Scheme. The initiative was praised for its work in promoting sustainable travel and, in particular, for the link it makes with local business.

In October (2004) visitors who traveled by public transport to and through the Yorkshire
Dales found their day out cost them less – thanks to the money-saving scheme.

The scheme aims to give people another reason to leave their car behind and travel by bus or rail around the villages the Yorkshire Dales National Park covers, Skipton, as well as Swaledale and areas west of the A1. It all depends on where the businesses who are involved are located. Almost 90 businesses across the Dales – including cafes, shops, Bed & Breakfast owners and museums – are offering discounts to public transport users. You will see their sticker (see photo) displayed in participating windows.

Transport Minister Derek Twigg said: "Well-designed transport schemes in National Parks are good news for the environment as well as for the hundreds of people who visit the parks every day.

"Case studies in this guide show that there is a lot of good work being done to develop effective schemes, which other local authorities could learn from in developing their own schemes."

Andy Ryland, the Transport and Visitor Management officer from the YDNPA said: “I am absolutely delighted that three of our transport projects have been praised by Government. This recognises the contribution these projects have in supporting our core purposes of conserving the environment and promoting its enjoyment while supporting the local economy.”

The pat on the back comes only weeks after Mr Knight praised the I’m a City Dweller, Get Me Out of Here project which aims to encourage socially excluded communities to visit the National Park and has been supported by the Authority through the Target project.