The York Outer MP, Julian Sturdy, says he shares the concerns of residents who fear that the vital bus service between Bishopthorpe and Ashley Park via South Bank and the city centre is at risk of being cut.
First York has told YorkMix no decision has been taken yet but a petition to stop any changes was started.
Mr Sturdy says: “While discussions between City of York Council and the operator First York are still ongoing, fears have been raised over a proposed amended route which will stop at the outskirts of the city, missing out the village of Bishopthorpe.”
The MP added:
“Were this change to go ahead it would severely restrict the public transport options available to residents in Bishopthorpe, increase congestion by necessitating car travel into the city centre and isolate those who are unable to travel by car.
“I appreciate that bus services are regularly reviewed, it is disappointing that this news comes just after bus companies will receive £130 million to protect services and routes which have become particularly vital to people facing rising cost of living pressures.
“The funds will cover the period from October 2022 to March 2023 and will bring the total funding made available to bus services during the pandemic up to £2bn.
“With this in mind, I have requested an urgent meeting with First York and City of York Council to ask for urgent clarification on this issue in order to provide much needed certainty for local residents.
“I have also written to hundreds of local residents to explain how I plan to take this campaign forward and I will be out in person over the BH weekend talking to residents about how the loss of the service will impact them to help strengthen my discussions on their behalf.
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“In addition, I encourage all constituents to fill out the council’s ongoing bus survey which is currently open online (https://surveymonkey.co.uk/r/EnhancedBusPartnership). This allows you to have your say on how CYC spends £17.3M awarded to it by the DfT to deliver its Bus Service Improvement Plan.”