The Government has announced that it has extended a support programme for local bus operators and the County Council says it's discussion with local bus firms will continue.
The Government's two pound fare scheme which was due to end next month will now run until June.
It's hoped the move will take pressure off bus companies who are still seeing passenger numbers far lower than before the pandemic. Last week the local government association warned that thousands of bus services across the country faced being cut if government help was not forthcoming, around 80 services in North Yorkshire were thought to be at risk.
In North Yorkshire the County Council says it is working with local operators to ensure services can continue.
Executive member for transport, Councillor Keane Duncan, says there are a number of measures being discussed.
During the pandemic, bus usage dropped as low as 10% of pre-pandemic levels and is still at around 85-90% of pre-Covid levels meaning there are a number of ongoing challenges for bus operators. The Government says it has provided "unprecedented financial support totalling more than £2 billion" since March 2020. On Friday the Government announced plans to provide up to £75 million so that bus operators can continue to cap single bus fares outside of London at £2 until the end of June to save passengers money and encourage more people back on the bus.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:
“Travelling by bus remains the most popular option for commuters and families across the country, but the sector is still trying to recover after the end of the pandemic.
“We’re providing £155 million to help passengers save money on fares, get more people on the bus and protect vital bus routes – helping with the cost of living and enabling people to get where they need to in an affordable and convenient way.”
In North Yorkshire the county council says it has been working with local operators to ensure key services can continue to run. The Executive member for Transport, Councillor Keane Duncan, says that discussions are ongoing, he also thinks the introduction of an elected Mayor for North Yorkshire and York could be good news for local bus services.
The elected Mayor could be in place in April 2024 and would have power over transport strategy.
Councillor Keane Duncan thinks that could bring benefits.
County Councillors will be discussing the proposal for an elected Mayor at a meeting later this week.
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