THE breathtaking beauty of a public transport route which features rugged moorland and sweeping sea views has seen it voted as Britain’s most scenic bus journey.

More than 15,000 people voted in a poll to find the bus route with the most stunning scenery passing by its windows, with the undulating ride over the North York Moors to Whitby coming out on top.

The Coastliner 840 service follows a route via North Yorkshire attractions on its travels from Malton, calling at Eden Camp, Kirby Misperton for Flamingo Land and Thornton-le-Dale, before winding through the eastern edge of the national park.

Goathland and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway provide another beautiful backdrop to the trip, which also takes in Sleights and Ruswarp and eventually comes to an end in the striking surroundings of Whitby.

More than 100 of the nation’s finest bus routes were included in a shortlist that saw the Coastliner service secure the British title, finishing 243 votes ahead of its nearest rival.

Coastliner chief executive, Alex Hornby said: “I’m absolutely delighted that our Coastliner service is now officially Britain’s Most Scenic Bus Route, especially as the votes have come from the people whose views matter most of all to us, those who travel on our buses.

“We know from the many positive comments we receive from our customers that our Coastliner 840 is the perfect way to see the North York Moors and coast, without the hassle and stress of driving.

“And the views are just part of the story – our Coastliner service has been transformed, with amazing new buses offering a host of customer-friendly features, including superfast and free 4G Wi-Fi, USB at-seat power points, audible next stop announcements and comfortable coach seating.

“This wonderful news is ideally timed, as the summer season begins – we’re looking forward to welcoming new customers to take a seat with us on the top deck, to enjoy the grandstand views of the Moors and coast which make Coastliner 840 Britain’s Most Scenic Bus Route.”

The poll was created by bus enthusiast Paul Kirby, who was surprised no one had set up a similar vote in the past. He approached bus operators from across the country to start the project.

Mr Kirby said: “I was delighted that Britain’s leading bus operators supported the survey with so much enthusiasm, helping to make it such an outstanding success.

“The response in the first couple of weeks was incredible with over 1,000 passengers visiting the site and voting for their favourites.

“It shows that many people greatly appreciate their buses and our glorious British countryside, particularly our rugged and varied coastline.”

Voters could choose from a shortlist of routes in England, Scotland and Wales, or suggest their own.

With more than 15,000 votes cast, Mr Kirby presented the winner's certificate to Coastliner’s general manager, Colin Booth, at Whitby bus station.

Bus Users UK chief executive, Claire Walters said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people getting behind their favourite bus routes.

“One of the great things about bus travel is the freedom to look around and take in the sights and sounds of Britain’s cities and countryside.

“We hope these nominations will encourage even more people to get on board.”

For more information on the Coastliner 840, visit yorkbus.co.uk/times