Original Light Railway Order was meade on 29 September 1899 but was allowed to lapse. Another company was formed and a second order made on 19 December 1905. The line officially opened on 19 July 1913. Passenger services ceased on 1 September 1926 and, though still independent, the line was cut to four miles between York and Dunnington on 30 September 1972. The stretch of line between Wheldrake and Elvington closed in 1968. Elvington station itself closed in 1973. The remainder of the line closed completely on 25 November 1980.