Ryedale residents can now benefit from a new door-to-door public transport system. And if you have a concessionary bus pass this service is free.

Thanks from funding from Ryedale District Council, RYECAT – Ryedale’s local community transport provider – offers a new Ring & Ride service which is free to anyone with a concessionary bus pass.

“Public transport in some areas of Ryedale is a very real issue”, said Janet Waggott, Chief Executive of Ryedale District Council. “We are continuing to work hard to address this issue and support for the ring & ride scheme is just one of the ways we can help”.

The Ring & Ride scheme – a minibus service serving Malton, Norton and the villages in the North Wolds area of Ryedale – is available from 9am to 5pm, Mon to Fri for residents who do not have access to public or private transport.

Ring & Ride provides a door to door, accessible minibus service for people of all ages who find it very difficult to use ordinary public transport. It operates in Malton, Norton, Rillington, Scagglethorpe, Settrington, Birdsall, Burythorpe, Leavening, Kennythorpe, Langton, Westow, Bulmer and Welburn.

Ken Watherington, Chief Executive of RYECAT, said: “This new service is the first in a series of similar services planned for rural Ryedale. The support of Ryedale District Council and the inclusion on the concessionary fares are important factors in the provision of accessible and affordable transport for those people who are unable to use or are not served by public transport. This service is planned to meet with other bus and rail services, enabling people living in rural areas to make that final connection between their homes and the wider world”.

Travel on the Ring & Ride is free IF YOU HAVE A CONCESSIONARY BUS PASS or £1.50 for a single journey and £3.00 return.

Before booking a journey with Ring & Ride, you must contact the RYECAT offices on 01653 698888. If you are eligible, registration is simple, quick and cost £5.00 a year.