East Yorkshire Buses says the X56 service will ‘make an important regional journey much simpler’
A new East Yorkshire Buses service will make getting to Castle Hill Hospital easier(Image: East Yorkshire Buses)
East Yorkshire Buses is set to launch a new service from this month connecting York, Pocklington, and Market Weighton directly to Cottingham ’s Castle Hill Hospital, significantly slashing travel times for NHS staff, patients, and visitors.
Starting Monday, November 9, Service X56 will run from Monday to Saturday, providing a continuous through-journey that eliminates the need for passengers to change buses. By bridging the previous gap between Market Weighton, Bishop Burton, and Castle Hill Hospital, the service creates a vital regional corridor that also extends to Hull Royal Infirmary and Hull Interchange.
The direct link should dramatically cut journey times across the East Riding. Passengers travelling from Pocklington will see trips to Castle Hill Hospital take approximately 45 minutes – at least 38 minutes faster than the quickest existing bus connection and typically saving around an hour. Commuters and hospital visitors from Wilberfoss, Barmby Moor, Pocklington, Market Weighton, Bishop Burton, and York will all benefit from the direct route.
Stuart Fillingham, commercial director at East Yorkshire Buses, said: “This new service will make an important regional journey much simpler, giving passengers a direct and reliable link to Castle Hill Hospital and Hull Royal Infirmary. By closing the gap between Pocklington, Market Weighton and Castle Hill, we are connecting communities across York, the East Riding and Hull and providing a practical alternative to travelling by car.”
Service X56 will connect York, Hull Road, Wilberfoss, Barmby Moor, Pocklington, Hayton, Shiptonthorpe, Market Weighton, Bishop Burton, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, Willerby, Hull Royal Infirmary and Hull Interchange.
The new service is supported by financial backing via the UK Government-funded Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG), administered by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, alongside route investment from the bus operator. Transport leaders hope the direct public transport link will also ease pressure on congested hospital car parks.
Luke Campbell, Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, highlighted the benefits the route will offer passengers. He said: “Imagine spending nearly two hours getting to Castle Hill for a hospital appointment. From Pocklington, this new service could get you there in just 45 minutes, without changing buses. That’s a massive difference, especially when you’ve already got enough on your mind.
“We’ve heard from residents about how difficult these journeys can be, and I’ve always said listening is only half the job. You’ve got to do something about it. I’m absolutely delighted we’ve been able to provide the financial backing to make this missing link possible, with East Yorkshire Buses investing in the rest of the route.
“It’s a fantastic example of what we can achieve by working together. From 9 November, people will be able to get on that bus and feel the difference for themselves. There’s still plenty more to do, but we’re making progress, and this is another really positive step for Hull and East Yorkshire. I hope people get behind the service and make it a real success.”
Hospital and local council officials have also welcomed the partnership. Dave Wilkinson, transport manager at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “This is fantastic news for patients, visitors, and staff living between York and Castle Hill hospital, making the journey far quicker and easier to navigate.”
Councillor Nick Coultish, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure, tourism and planning said: “I’m extremely pleased that as a partnership we’ve been able to fund and launch this new bus service to help local residents in our community, including patients and visitors, reach these local hospitals quicker and easier.”
The X56 builds upon existing routes at both ends of the corridor. Journeys between York and Pocklington will extend through to Market Weighton, while connections through Cottingham, Hull Royal Infirmary, and Hull Interchange will complete the eastern portion of the journey.
East Yorkshire Buses confirmed that full timetable and fare details will be released on its website and mobile app, with printed timetable leaflets distributed ahead of the launch. The operator plans to closely monitor passenger numbers alongside its regional partners to adapt and expand the service as demand develops.
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