The importance of rural bus services has been highlighted by an award to find Britain's most scenic route.

More than 15,000 bus passengers across the UK voted for their favourite bus journey in a survey sponsored by Bus Users UK.

The winnerfrom a shortlist of more than 100 routes was the 840 Coastliner from York to Whitby, which crosses the North York Moors National Park.

The poll was the idea of bus enthusiast Paul Kirby from Wetherby, who was surprised that no one had carried out any research to discover the nation’s most scenic bus service.

He then approached Britain’s leading bus operators – Arriva, First, Go Ahead, Stagecoach and Transdev – with the project.

Paul 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 1000 passengers visiting the site and voting for their favourites.

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

Coastliner chief executive Alex Hornby said he was that the rural and coastal service is now officially Britain’s Most Scenic Bus Route.

This was especially so because the votes had come from the people whose views matter most of all – passengers who travel on the buses.

As well as amazing views, the Coastliner service offered a host of customer-friendly features, including free 4G Wi-Fi, USB at-seat power points and comfortable seating.

Runner up was the 914/915/916 Glasgow to Fort William to Skye via Loch Lomond and Glencoe service run by Scottish Citylink.

The bronze position went to a Dorset coastal route, the Purbeck Breezer 50 from Bournemouth to Swanage via Sandbanks, Shell Bay and Studland.

Bus Users UK chief executive Claire Walters said: “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.”

A website of ‘Britain’s Most Scenic Bus Routes’ will be produced later this summer, particularly aimed at overseas visitors unfamiliar with the UK public transport system.