I have received this update from First Bus this morning. See below. Note the withdrawal of the X85:
"As our services continue to adapt to changing passenger behaviours and a new post-pandemic level of demand, I would like to provide you with an update on the bus services using the corridor.
I can confirm the full X84 Otley – Ilkley route and frequency will continue as normal and any speculation that the Ilkley link will be withdrawn in October is not correct.
We will be introducing a new X84 timetable from Sunday 2 October to further improve punctuality following a review of service performance. This will spread travel time at certain known peak periods during the day when pressure of more road users slows down journeys on the corridor.
From the same date, I can also confirm that the small number of 85 journeys that currently serve Pool in Wharfedale will be withdrawn. The Pool link was re-introduced in 2017 as a result of local demand but has consistently carried a limited numbers of passengers – this has now been worsened by a weakened post-pandemic demand. We appreciate this will be disappointing for some customers but we do need to recognise the need to balance customer demand with available resource to deliver reliable services for customers into the future. Whilst not direct replacement services, it is also important to note alternative services in Pool do continue to provide onward connections.
We will continue to work with local authorities and partners to adapt services in a way that remains sustainable for the longer term, whilst seeking to provide customers with the reliability that meets their needs. Please do note that further to the recent Department for Transport announcement of a £130m bus industry funding package from October 2022, we’re continuing to conduct a full, wider network review with the Combined Authority as a condition of this transitional arrangement.
Finally, as I’m sure you know, the main road-works at the Dyneley Arms junction commence next week. We will continue to engage closely with Connecting Leeds to minimise disruption for bus passengers and keep people informed."
