York's Executive to Discuss Rougier Route Bus Service Trial on 7 July 2026

A trial aimed at improving bus services in York will be discussed by the city’s Executive on 7 July 2026. This initiative focuses on the Rougier Route, which is set to enhance bus reliability and cut down journey times for over 40 bus routes across the city. The proposal follows three rounds of public consultations that gathered input from residents, businesses, and other stakeholders.

Rougier Route Trial Details

The Rougier Route trial is part of a broader effort to make York’s public transport system more efficient. It includes plans to install a bus gate and a dedicated bus lane on George Hudson Street, which leads to lower Micklegate. These changes are designed to ensure that buses can travel more smoothly through the city, reducing delays caused by traffic congestion.

Councillor Kate Ravilious, who is the Executive Member for Transport, highlighted the importance of this trial. She stated,

“The discussion at Executive is an important step in the process towards our goals of making York a more accessible, healthier and more affordable city.”

She also mentioned the positive strides already made in supporting bus travel, such as reduced fares for young people and improved bus shelters.

Public Engagement Feedback

The upcoming meeting will review feedback collected during the public engagement process. This feedback has been instrumental in shaping the updated proposals. Key points from the public responses include:

• 57% of respondents believe encouraging more bus travel will help reduce congestion.

• 58.44% think the proposed changes could improve reliability for York’s bus services.

• 79.54% of participants feel that traffic congestion negatively impacts York.

• 83.3% of those aged 16-24 support initiatives to encourage more bus use.

Proposed Options for Discussion

• Option One: Move forward with the proposals starting in January 2027, using an experimental traffic regulation order. This option would allow exemptions for Blue Badge holders and Hackney carriages at the bus gates on George Hudson Street and lower Micklegate, operating from 7 am to 11 pm. This option is recommended.

• Option Two: Implement the proposals using a permanent traffic regulation order. This option is not recommended.

• Option Three: Execute the Rougier Route with a variation chosen by the Executive. This option is not recommended.

• Option Four: Do not proceed with the proposals. This option is also not recommended.

Impact of the Changes

The Rougier Route proposals aim to deliver various improvements to the bus network, including:

• A dedicated bus lane on George Hudson Street, restricting access for private cars during operational hours.

• A bus gate on Micklegate, preventing private vehicles from using that stretch of road at certain times.

• Enhanced cycle facilities on nearby streets.

• Opportunities for additional Blue Badge parking and community-led improvements to the area.

These changes are part of York’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), which received £17.3 million in funding from the Department for Transport in April 2022. The BSIP aims to enhance the bus services in York, making them more inclusive and appealing to residents and visitors alike.

Looking Ahead

As the city moves forward with these discussions, the potential benefits of the Rougier Route trial could lead to a more efficient public transport system in York. With increasing traffic congestion affecting daily commutes, these proposed changes may help to alleviate some of these issues while also encouraging more people to choose buses over cars.

The Executive meeting on 7 July will be a crucial moment for the future of York’s bus services, as councillors weigh public feedback against the proposed options. The outcome of this meeting could shape the city’s transport landscape for years to come, making it easier and more convenient for residents to get around.