York bus services at risk of being axed as council steps in with emergency rescue package

York bus services are at risk of being cut as the ongoing impact of Covid continues to hit passenger numbers.

That’s the warning from City of York Council, after it stepped in with an emergency rescue package.

The council has secured an extra £1 million of funding to support bus services in the short term.

It means the 12, 13 and 412 services are safeguarded for now, and the Poppleton Park and Ride Site can be recommissioned for Easter next year.

Both of the 412 and 13, currently operated commercially by ConnexionsBuses, had been due to be withdrawn from 10 December due to decreased passenger numbers and operating cost increases.

This would have left Rufforth, Long Marston and Tockwith without any bus service, and parts of Copmanthorpe, Heworth and Haxby without a Saturday bus service. 

These services have been secured in short term and a similar exercise is being undertaken for the number 12/12A, which is set to be withdrawn by First York from 22 January.

“A procurement exercise will be carried out ahead of March to secure the longer-term future of both services,” a City of York Council spokesperson said.

Drop in passengers

Pre Covid, the bus industry in York was worth £24 million and the council funds about £720,000 of this through subsidising a number of services every year. 

Now though, there are 20% per cent fewer passengers. The problem is compounded by the rise in operating costs for both diesel and electric buses and a national driver shortage.

If users don’t return to the buses or Government funding is not extended then more bus services will need council subsidies, which it may not be able to afford.

A report set to be discussed by senior councillors is recommending that the preservation of routes takes priority over preserving bus frequency.

Councillor Andy D’Agorne, the council’s deputy leader and executive member for transport, said: “Over the years, York has built up significant levels of bus use and we are committed to doing what we can to protect our local bus services, which provide a lifeline and connection for so many in York and neighbouring rural areas.

“The council cannot fix the crisis but we’ll be working hard to safeguard the bus network and help it weather the current storm.

“Keeping the bus network even with a reduced frequency, as long as local communities are not significantly negatively affected by the reduction, provides a better basis to build back in the future.

“We are in a position where if people don’t use the bus services, they could lose them.”

A report about the crisis is going to an Executive meeting tomorrow.