A GOVERNMENT minister has promised a shake-up in national bus policy, after York councillors quizzed her about soaring fares.

York Labour leader Dave Merrett met with Gillian Merron MP, the Parliamentary under secretary of state for transport, on her recent visit to the city - and took the opportunity to discuss a rise in ticket prices.

Earlier this month, The Press revealed how more than 14,000 bus passengers across York were to be hit with higher fares.

From yesterday, single tickets rose by 10p, while a £2.50 return jumped by 30p to £2.80. However, other fares were frozen, with no change to Park & Ride, child fares and senior citizen travel.

Bus operator First blamed the soaring costs of diesel, wages and insurance for the increases.

But Coun Merrett told Ms Merron: "The last couple of years of fare increases have been excessive and unreasonable.

"It took far too long for First to bring in the full range of discounted tickets on their services.

"Furthermore, there is still no ten child ticket card or discounted family tickets as promised.

"This is hitting families the worst, and stopping children using the buses on the way to school as they and their parents can not easily afford them. First are discouraging the younger generation from using buses when they should be their future bread and butter."

They also discussed problems with the new ftr bus service.

Coun Merrett warned more people would use cars, which they considered a cheaper and easier option, and expressed concern about the long-term impact on the environment.

Now, Ms Merron has "given him an assurance" that the Labour Government's new bus policy will herald the "biggest shake up for two decades", by giving more powers to local authorities like City of York Council.

She said: "This bus policy will give local authorities the ability to ensure punctuality, frequency and fair fares. This will help to give York people the service they want for the future."