Bus fares for children and young people are being reduced in York, in a four-month trial aiming to support families and encourage them to choose sustainable transport.
From 3 September, up to three children accompanied by a fare-paying adult will travel for free.
Anyone aged from five to 16 will pay no more than £1 for a single fare when travelling unaccompanied by an adult.
The fares apply to on any bus journey which starts and ends within the city of York boundary.
Young persons aged 11-16 need to show proof of age, such as a YOzone card, when requested to do so by the driver. You can apply for a free YOzone card online here.
The £1 child single fare will be cheaper than the majority of single fares currently being offered, however for daily bus users, weekly or monthly child tickets will in many cases continue to offer the best value.
The discounted fares are available on all local bus services within the City of York boundary, including Park & Ride.
Dedicated school services, coach services, race day shuttle services or tour buses are not included in the offer.
Under 5s can already travel free of charge on the city’s local bus network.
Cllr Pete Kilbane, executive member for economy and transport at City of York Council, said: “From teenagers travelling to sports and after school activities, to parents and children going shopping or visiting friends, everyone aged 5-16 will benefit from this fare reduction.
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“It comes at a time when family budgets are under immense pressure and when we’ve got to start thinking about reducing car use and switch to more environmentally friendly modes of transport.
“We are pleased to be able to offer this £1 or free ticket price and encourage everyone to go by bus in York.”
These fare reductions are being delivered using money from the city’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), which is funded by government and delivering projects such as fare subsidies and infrastructure improvements.
The BSIP will run up to the end of March 2025 and aims to leave a lasting legacy of high-quality bus services. It was also used to halve family bus tickets in York during the school holidays.