Extra bus services added for festive season

More bus services will serve key routes over the festive period in York

Extra bus services are being added to timetables in York to encourage visitors and residents to use public transport during the festive season.

According to City of York Council, over 40 routes currently serve the city and surrounding villages and towns as well as key shopping areas such as the Designer Outlet.

The adult fare cap is £2 until 31 December with travel free for accompanied children and £1 for unaccompanied teenagers.

The council said it had also suspended major roadworks during the Christmas period in a bid to ease congestion.

Funded by the city's bus service improvement plan, the project is a collaboration between City of York Council, Make It York and each of the city’s seven bus operators.

Many of the operators have increased the number of buses serving key routes in November and December, which includes extra buses for the park and ride services.

James Gilchrist, director of transport, environment and planning said it was hoped the scheme would reduce congestion and provide cheaper transport options.

Mr Gilchrist said: “York is rightly famous for its Christmas market and thriving independent shopping scene, and we are working with partners, including bus operators to reduce congestion at a time when so many people come to enjoy York."

He said they wanted to keep the city moving by encouraging people to use public transport.

"Just one double-decker bus can carry up to 75 people, so imagine how much better it will be if everyone who can travel by bus does so this Christmas," he said.

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