York

First Announces April Service Changes

FIRST has announced it will make changes to the bus network in York with effect from Sunday 26th April.

Dave Alexander, Managing Director for First in West and North Yorkshire, said: "The current economic conditions in the UK mean that it is necessary for us to take a critical look at how we use the resources we have available.

"During the final quarter of last year, and like many other businesses, we experienced a decline in the number of customers using our services. As a result, regrettably, we are taking action now to implement changes to certain services to ensure that the business is prepared for the future.'

The principle changes are:

• The removal of evening services after 7.30pm on Service 10 (Stamford Bridge-Poppleton).

• The removal of evening services after 7.30pm on York/Haxby Section of Service 12 (Haxby-Acomb Park).

• The removal of evening services after 7.30pm on Service 13 (Copmanthorpe-Monks Cross).

• The withdrawal of the York Airlink Service to Leeds-Bradford International Airport.

Mr Alexander continued: "First has decided to stop running the AirLink service after a two year trial because it is not commercially viable. In simple terms, not enough people are using the service and, if economic predictions are correct, this is likely to get worse over the next few months.'

City of York Council officers have expressed their disappointment at the changes announced and First has given an undertaking to keep the performance of the network under close review in the future and to positively respond to any upturn in the economy as and when it emerges.

On a more positive note, an exciting new express bus service linking Leeds and York will be launched by First at the end of April.

This new half hourly service between York and Leeds city centres is set to benefit commuters, shoppers, students and other leisure travellers with a good value, flexible alternative to car and train travel.

Five new single deck buses with the latest extras, including leather seats and air conditioning, will be used on the new Monday to Saturday service, which will also call in at Tadcaster and Seacroft.

Mr Alexander added: "This new First bus service will be a very positive development and links two cities that have strong economic, social and cultural ties.

"We believe there is a significant potential market of customers in York and Leeds, as well as Tadcaster and Seacroft, who will welcome the opportunity of flexible, affordable and regular travel linking Firsts existing networks in these two great cities.'

In addition to the changes outlined above, First intends to introduce an additional benefit to Senior Concessionary Permit Holders making it possible for them to travel to York Hospital and doctors appointments before the current concessionary travel schemes start time of 09.00hrs. Further details on this positive initiative will be announced in due course.


Summary of service changes:

Service 1 (Wigginton to Chapelfields):
Reduce frequency between 07:00 and 10:00 to 60 minutes (currently 30)Sundays
Reduce frequency between 18:00 and Last Bus to 60 minutes (currently 30) Sundays
Reduce frequency to every 30 minutes from 18:00 Monday - Saturdays
Reduce frequency to every 60 minutes from 21:00 Monday (currently 30) Saturdays

Service 5 (Strensall to Acomb):
Reduce frequency to 30 minutes from 18:00 Monday - Saturdays (currently 20)
Reduce frequency to every 60 minutes from 21:00 Monday - Saturdays (currently 30)
Reduce frequency between 07:00 and 10:00 to 60 minutes (currently 30) Sundays
Reduce frequency between 18:00 and Last Bus to 60 minutes (currently 30) Sundays.

Service 6 (Clifton Moor to Osbaldwick):
Reduce frequency to 30 minutes from 18:00 Monday - Saturdays (currently 20)
Reduce frequency to every 60 minutes from 21:00 Monday - Saturdays (currently 30)
Reduce frequency between 07:00 and 10:00 to 60 minutes (currently 30) Sundays
Reduce frequency between 18:00 and Last Bus to 60 minutes (currently 30) Sundays.

Service 10 (Stamford Bridge to Poppleton):
Removal of all evening services from 19:30 7 days a week;
Reduce frequency to 60 minutes Saturday until 09:00.

Service 11 (Bishopthorpe to Ashley Park):
Reduce frequency to 60 minutes (currently 30) Saturday mornings until 09:00.

Service 12 (Haxby to Acomb Park):
Removal of York - Haxby section of the route on evenings after 19:30
Reduce frequency to 60 minutes (currently 30) Saturday mornings until 09:00.

Service 13 (Copmanthorpe to Monks Cross):
Removal of evening journeys after 19.30
Reduce frequency to 60 minutes (currently 30) Saturday mornings until 09:00.

Service 787 YorkAirLink (York to Leeds Bradford International Airport)
Service withdrawn