A BUS company is to invest several million pounds in its flagship route through a North Yorkshire town by adding 14 new vehicles.

Transdev has announced it is to spend £3.2m upgrading its 36 route, which passes through Ripon, ferrying passengers to Leeds and Harrogate. The investment will include the purchase of 14 new bus vehicles and a brand redesign.

The investment comes after a recent survey by Transdev showed growing passenger numbers and “outstanding” passenger satisfaction rates.

The company announced its investment plans during a visit to its Harrogate bus depot by Transport Minister and Harrogate and Knaresborough MP, Andrew Jones.

Transdev’s latest survey showed 55 per cent of people travelled on the 36 despite having access to a car; 90 per cent of people couldn’t think of anything to improve about the service and 96 per cent of people were either satisfied or very satisfied with the route.

The survey also showed 33 per cent of passengers were new customers this year.