Young People’s bus fares reach million ticket milestone

York's bus improvement programme is celebrating a major milestone this week with the news that over one million £1 fares have been sold to young people since September 2023.

The fare subsidy aims to improve access to education, work and leisure for York's under 19-year-olds by reducing the cost of travel. The scheme was launched as part of the city’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funded by central government; between 2023 and 2025 it was managed by City of York Council working with all six of York's bus operators, and from 1 April 2025 the funds have been managed by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. The offer is ongoing and young people can still travel for £1.

Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Economy and Transport at City of York Council, said: "We are proud of the support we continue to give York's young people and I'm delighted we have reached the one million tickets sold mark.

“This support was one of the first projects started under our BSIP and it’s clear the £1 fare has proved a huge success. We know that it’s used to get around for leisure, school and college, as well as to get to work, opening up a wealth of opportunities for young people across the city. Encouraging young people onto the bus and to keep using it as they grow older is so important, not only to help them get around efficiently in their daily lives, but also to contribute to the city’s objective of reducing congestion”.

Historically, young people’s bus fares have varied in cost depending on operators and age ranges, but were around £1.40 to £2 for a single journey, with many older teenagers being charged adult fares. The average saving is 70p per trip, although this varies between operators and age groups. The biggest savings are seen by 16-18’s travelling with operators that would otherwise treat them as adult farepayers.

The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, said: “No one should miss out on learning, seeing their friends or work because they can’t afford to travel. 

“Young people rely on public transport and particularly our buses, so that’s why I protected the £1 fare cap for people aged under 19. I am proud to continue this initiative across York and North Yorkshire so there aren’t barriers for our young people in the region.

“Making public transport affordable, accessible and reliable for everyone is at the heart of our plans. Giving people more sustainable options to move around York and North Yorkshire and connecting our communities to opportunities. I’m continuing to work on identifying the gaps in our bus network to deliver an integrated transport network that works for all.” 

Minister for Local Transport, Simon Lightwood said: “When public transport is affordable, it’s easier for people to get to work, make doctors’ appointments, and stay connected with their community. That’s why we’ve put £12.6 million into York and North Yorkshire’s buses - to give people cheaper fares and more regular, reliable services.

“We’ve also extended the £3 bus fare cap up to 2027, to keep fares affordable and put more money back in peoples pockets, all part of the Government’s Plan for Change.”

York College & University Centre Principal & Chief Executive Ken Merry said; “We’re really pleased to see the success of the £1 fares across the City of York. This is a real benefit to many of our students and apprentices, especially those who have to get to work placements and rely on public transport to get there.”

More widely, York's BSIP has also delivered improvements to bus stops themselves, with over 270 improvements across York's villages, rural areas and city centre. Work has included installing more accessible seating, better lighting and shelter from the weather, plus real time information and safer, more accessible kerbs.