BUS company First York has won a contract to run services between the University of York and the city-centre.

The five-year deal will see First operate its UoY66 service from August 2 this year, calling at the train station, the city centre, the University of York and York Sport Village via Lakeside Way.

The contract includes First providing the University’s free shuttle bus Ub1 which will run every 30 minutes using a state-of-the art electric vehicle, as well as the late night clubbers’ bus and early morning University to Hospital service.

It will also introduce a brand new service - UoY56 - to complement the UoY66.

This will serve the University and Kings Manor provide a city centre loop including the shops, the train station and all of the main bus hubs before returning to the University.

Ben Gilligan, managing director for First in York, said: "We’re delighted to have been chosen to be the University’s official transport partner.

"First has a great track record of delivering high quality, reliable services and we look forward to working together with the University to further improve the quality of the transport solutions for staff and students."

The UoY66 service will provide nine buses per hour, Monday to Saturday during the day, and every 20 minutes in the evening and on Sunday supported by additional Q-Buster bus services if they are needed during the week.

Heslington East transport hub will continue to be linked by bus to Tang Hall on a frequent basis.

Customers can benefit from a new 20-trip £17 smartcard ticket available through the Yorkey Card.

Professor Koen Lamberts, the vice-chancellor of the University of York, added: "The University is committed to promoting sustainable travel and transport. We are, therefore, extremely pleased to work with First to facilitate an efficient, sustainable and integrated University bus service for students, staff, visitors and members of the community."