New Service X56 starts on Monday 9th November, offering a simpler journey along the A1079 with no need to change buses
East Yorkshire Buses is launching the new Service X56, connecting York, Pocklington and Market Weighton with Castle Hill Hospital and giving passengers a straightforward through journey without the need to change buses.
Service X56 will operate Monday to Saturday from Monday 9th November, filling the missing link between Market Weighton, Bishop Burton and Castle Hill Hospital.
Passengers from Wilberfoss, Barmby Moor, Pocklington, Market Weighton and Bishop Burton will gain direct journeys to Castle Hill Hospital and Hull Royal Infirmary, making travel easier for patients, visitors and NHS staff.
From Pocklington, the direct journey to Castle Hill Hospital will take around 45 minutes—at least 38 minutes quicker than the fastest current bus connection and typically around an hour quicker. Customers travelling from York will also gain a direct through journey in place of options requiring a change.
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.”
Mayor Luke Campbell MBE, Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire: “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.”
Dave Wilkinson, Transport Manager at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust: “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.”
Better links for patients, visitors and staff
The service will build on existing East Yorkshire routes at both ends of the corridor. Journeys between York and Pocklington will continue through to Market Weighton, while links between Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, Hull Royal Infirmary and Hull Interchange will complete the eastern section.
The direct connection between Market Weighton, Bishop Burton and Castle Hill Hospital will create a continuous bus journey between York, the East Riding and Hull’s two principal hospital sites. It will also provide a practical alternative to driving and help to reduce pressure on hospital parking.
The new link is supported through the UK Government-funded Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG), administered by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Passenger information
Service X56 starts on Monday 9th November and will operate Monday to Saturday. Full timetable and fare information will be available shortly on the East Yorkshire Buses website and app, with printed timetable leaflets available ahead of the service launch. East Yorkshire Buses will monitor passenger use and work with its partners to develop the service as demand grows.