York Extends Reduced Bus Fares for Young People

An initiative allowing young people to use buses at a reduced cost is set to be prolonged. Since September 2023, unaccompanied passengers under the age of 19 in York have paid £1 for a single fare, while those under 16 have traveled without charge. This subsidy, originally scheduled to conclude on December 31, will now continue until March 31 next year. The City of York Council indicated that the extension was approved after the program garnered “positive feedback.” This agreement was reached as part of the city’s bus service improvement plan. A council spokesperson reported that since the scheme’s launch, half a million reduced-price and free tickets have been issued across York’s seven bus operators. According to the council, 50% more five- to 16-year-olds utilized the offer in October 2024, compared to the previous year. Councillor Kate Ravilious, executive member for transport at City of York Council, stated: “This extension is great news for York’s young people and their families. “I’ve heard first hand that this scheme has made a genuine difference and so, by keeping the fares going until March 2025, we’re enabling young people to be independent and access even more social, education and employment opportunities.” Ravilious described the scheme as a “win-win” for York, noting its role in reducing the number of cars on the roads by “freeing parents and carers from giving lifts.”