York Park & Ride services reduced in response to bus driver shortage
Park & Ride bus services in York will be reduced in response to the continuing driver shortage.
Operator First Bus York says the changes will only be temporary, and they are making progress in recruiting more drivers.
The Park & Ride network will change to a temporary frequency of every 12 minutes from the current 10 minutes.
The frequency reductions are designed to maintain reliability and have been agreed with transport officials at City of York Council.
First Bus York managing director Ian Humphreys said: “Our focus is on doing our best to balance the needs of different customers depending on when they use the bus network so that we minimise any disruption.
“These changes are temporary as we recruit and train new colleagues who are keen to join us and overcome the industry-wide shortage of drivers which is affecting many service sector businesses.
“We will look to restore frequencies as soon as our staffing situation allows.”
Meanwhile Service 12 will return to half-hourly operation on stops between York Station and Woodthorpe – but will remain at hourly intervals for the route north of the city to Monk’s Cross.
Cllr Stephen Fenton of Dringhouses and Woodthorpe ward, said: “I’m grateful to First Bus for listening to feedback from residents affected by the temporary changes to the number 12 service and taking steps to introduce this improved service.”
The changes will come in on Monday (27 September).