Three key bus services that were expected to be discontinued in the spring have been saved by York City Council.
With so many cars on the road, we often forget about the importance of cheap and reliable public transport, and the role it plays in bringing together the more isolated members of our community. As a result, in recent years those vital services have been allowed to decline all whilst becoming more expensive.
In order to revitalise our buses, the council have capitalised on a number of national government initiatives in a plan to restore trust, and leave behind a lasting legacy of high-quality and reliable public transport.
Bus services kept alive
After securing £1 million worth of funding as part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan, services 12, 13 (Saturday), and 412, which run through Acomb, Tockwith, Heworth and Haxby, will continue until March 2025.
A spokesperson for city council said: “The council cannot fix the crisis, but we’ll be working hard to safeguard the bus network and help it weather the current storm.”
Young people’s fares kept below £1
In a city-wide trial that started in early September, anyone aged from 5 to 16 will pay no more than £1 for a single fare when travelling on any bus journey that starts and ends within the City of York boundary.
For families travelling — every full-paying adult can be accompanied by three children who will travel for free.
The Deputy Leader for Economy and Transport at City of York Council explains: “at a time when family budgets are under immense pressure we are pleased to be able to offer this £1 or free ticket price.”
Against a backdrop of national driver shortages and rising fuel costs, this show of dedication from the council should be a sign of real encouragement to residents — they are prepared to support the services that matter.
For full details of the bus routes head to www.itravelyork.info.
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