York’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) has reached an important milestone with over 250,000 reduced price bus tickets sold to families and young people.
The fare reductions, first introduced in September 2023 and extended to older teenagers in February 2024, are part of an on-going series of investments being made across the city’s network. Funded by government and managed by City of York Council, the project has also provided residents with improved facilities at bus shelters, and seen new real time information screens installed, with more to come during autumn.
Bus shelter improvements include:
• Installation or planned installation of 175 new or replacement real time information screens across the entire CYC area, which include an audio announcement facility.
• Refurbishment – painting, upgrading lighting & seating etc – of over 50 shelters. Work includes upgrades and 20 total replacements.
• A rolling programme to ensure facilities are in good condition.
The work also extends to kerbs and hardstanding, where over 30 bus stops without raised kerb and/or suitable hardstanding for wheelchair access will be improved. Locations have been prioritised by proximity to services (hospital/school/care homes) and current condition of stop.
To encourage greater bus use and support families during the cost of living crisis, fares currently available to residents and visitors are:
• Free fares for up to three accompanied children aged under 16 – the adult with them can be a fare paying passenger or using a concessionary pass (for example grandparents taking children out)
• £1 single fare for under 19s travelling by themselves – for example going to work or college
• £12 for an All York Young Person’s Weekly ticket, applicable to 5 to 18 year olds (up to their 19th birthday). Covers all journeys within the City of York Council boundaries
• £2.50 for an All York Young Person’s Day ticket – extended to include 17 to 18 year olds (up to their 19th birthday). Valid at all times of day on any bus in the boundaries of City of York Council
Since January, tens of thousands of young people’s tickets have been sold a month. The benefits of these tickets are being felt more widely than in a purely transport sense, with young people able to access education and employment as a result of the fare reductions.
Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood MP, said “Buses are an affordable and sustainable travel option and it’s fantastic to see that over 250,000 reduced price tickets have been sold in York, helping families and young people get around for less. Our Better Buses Bill will help City of York Council continue transforming its bus network by giving passengers modern, clean and efficient services they can truly rely on.”
(Pic – Madrugadeverde/Dreamstime)
