#AYearOfBuses 84: X84 Skipton – Leeds
It’s day 84 here on #AYearOfBuses, and today’s focus is on one of First in West Yorkshire’s most high-profile interurban routes.
The X84 is First’s limited stop express route connecting Skipton with Otley and Leeds, featuring a fleet of high-spec purply-blue and gold-branded Alexander Dennis Enviro400MMCs. New in 2016, the bespoke fleet of double deckers features ‘start stop’ engine technology, eLeather seating, free WiFi and USB power on board.
The route itself takes in some spectacular scenery, from the picturesque market town of Skipton with its ancient castle, down to the leafy village of Addingham, the tea rooms of Ilkley and the splendid markets at Otley. It competes directly with West Yorkshire’s Airedale and Wharfedale rail lines, where trains boast quicker journey times but in far less comfort.
With a 20 minute frequency between Otley and Leeds with one route numbered as X85 serving Pool-in-Wharfdale. 2 trips an hour extend to Ickley with one extending further to Skipton