Goole + Howden Hopper Revised Timetable

The Goole+Howden Hopper/J36 service operated by Sweyne Coaches and funded by the Goole Town Deal was revised on Monday 5th January. The changes were designed to reflect "a marked increase in demand from customers at certain times of day, but also aim to connect with the most popular train services at both Howden Station and Goole Station".

The J36 had been operating Monday to Saturdays half hourly off-peak (except for a lunch break), hourly peak times and every two hours in the evening, but has now reverted to a more irregular timetable with gaps between journeys ranging from 15 minutes to 115 minutes, although mostly it's a range between 35 and 60 minute intervals.

Timetable available here

The November Goole Town Deal Board minutes also contain an update on the service, including the need to secure funding once the Town Deal ends, and some further background to the timetable change.

"Hopper Bus: HH explained discussions are underway with the Public Transport section of ERYC and their relationship with the new Combined Authority HEYCA (which is where future transport funds are approved and drawn down). All avenues to continue the service are being explored including efforts to secure funding contributions from wider interests/stakeholders. 

A new problem has developed in relation to increased demand on the early morning service out of Goole meaning passengers are unable to board due to full capacity of the buses. It would appear the sudden increase is linked to school children who had previously attended Carlton Catholic school in North Yorkshire (who live in Goole), opting to attend Howden school. The matter has been considered by ERYC transport and the bus operator for which there is not an easy solution. ERYC are not required to provide school transport to meet parental choice. School children are paying customers like any other. A bigger bus cannot be provided due to the limited turning capacity at Howden station. An option currently being considered is adjusting the timetable to run both Hopper buses on the two peak services, however, given the wider requirement to secure continuation funding this may only be a temporary solution."

ERYC is a reference to East Riding of Yorkshire Council. The Holy Family Catholic High School in Carlton closed last Summer.