Free and reduced price bus tickets for York’s young people will continue until 30 March 2025, after an extension to the subsidy was agreed as part of the city’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).
Unaccompanied under 19s currently pay just £1 for a single fare and accompanied under 16 year olds travel for free, in a scheme which has been running for over a year. It was due to finish on December 31 2024 but following the positive uptake, along with growing feedback of its importance, the York Enhanced Bus Partnership agreed to an extension.
Since launching in September 2023, half a million reduced price and free tickets have been issued across York’s seven bus operators, as part of an on-going series of investments being made across the city’s network.
Figures also show that over 50% more 5 to 16 year olds took advantage of the offer in October 2024 compared to October 2023.
Fares currently available to residents and visitors are:
- Free travel for up to three accompanied children aged 16 or under – the accompanying adult can be a fare paying passenger or using a concessionary pass (for example grandparents taking children out)
- £1 single fare for under 19s travelling by themselves – for example going to work or college
The following tickets are also still available but will be subject to a price review in early 2025:
- £12 for an All York Young Person’s Weekly ticket, applicable to 5 to 18 year olds (up to their 19th birthday). Covers all journeys within the City of York Council boundaries
- £2.50 for an All York Young Person’s Day ticket – extended to include 17 to 18 year olds (up to their 19th birthday). Valid at all times of day on any bus within the City of York boundaries.
Simon Lightwood, Local Transport Minister said: “Buses are an affordable and sustainable travel option and it’s fantastic to see young people in York will continue to travel for less thanks to our funding.
“Our Buses Bill will help City of York Council give passengers modern, reliable and efficient services they can truly rely on.”
Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council said; “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. It also frees up parents and carers from giving lifts and reduces the amount of cars on the roads, which in turn reduces congestion and increases bus reliability so really is a win-win for the city.”
Keith McNally, Chair of York’s Enhanced Partnership which oversees the BSIP, said “York’s continued work to encourage more young people onto buses is clearly paying dividends, and we are hearing more and more about how important this cost saving is for families. The fares are available on each of York’s seven bus operators covering more than 40 routes and together with a similar scheme in North Yorkshire, are making a genuine difference to young people across the region”.
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