They’re York’s favourite tour buses, with more than 20,000 people hopping aboard in the second half of last year… until pandemic travel restrictions brought the service to a stop.
But now, with the initial easing of rules under the government’s roadmap out of lockdown just days away, tour operator City Sightseeing York is returning to the city’s streets from next Monday (29 March).
That’s the date when the ‘stay at home’ restriction will end, but ministers will still be advising people to stay local – and with that in mind, City Sightseeing York has lined up special discounts on Sundays for York residents with a York Card.
There’ll also be 25 per cent off all tour tickets at weekends for York’s key workers, as a token of thanks for their hard work throughout the pandemic.
City Sightseeing York general manager Ben Mansfield said: “Our bright red open top buses are a safe and friendly way to enjoy all that’s great about our amazing city, while learning a thing or two about the landmarks along the way.
“As always, all our tour buses are clean, safe and ready to go, with plenty of face coverings and hand sanitiser provided, as well as proper social distancing measures in place – plus plenty of fresh Yorkshire air on the top deck!”
Reductions for York residents holding a York Card will cut the cost of enjoying a day’s unlimited hop on, hop off travel on the City Sightseeing York tour to £10 per adult, reduced from £16. And a family ticket – for up to two adults and three children – is £20 rather than £35.
Key workers also qualify for a 25 per cent discount at weekends, simply by showing proof of where they work, such as an ID badge, to the tour operator’s staff.
Full details of all City Sightseeing York tours and advance bookings are available online here. Details of the York Card scheme can be found here.