CONTROVERSIAL changes to child bus tickets in York have been rethought.

As The Press previously reported, back in July First York decided to remove their monthly child bus tickets, with parents saying the changes would leave them out of pocket to the tune of hundreds of pounds.

After several meetings with York Outer MP, Luke Charters, the company has reviewed its original decision and has now confirmed the introduction of a new child five-day ticket from Sunday, September 29.

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It will be available on the First app and enable school trips from Monday-Friday and be priced at £9.

Mr Charters said: "Having had a number of discussions with First Bus I’m pleased that they have agreed with me that a new alternative is required.  

"First Bus will be introducing a weekly school days only 11-16 year old bus pass for £9 per week.   

"I welcome this decision and am pleased to have worked with First Bus on this improved ticket.  

"I also asked First Bus to “lock-in” this price to the entire school year as there is a risk that prices could go up again in January.  

"I am glad that First Bus have confirmed that this £9 a week ticket will be available for the entire 2024/2025 academic year.  

"A family with two children could save close to £100 this school year following my campaign, once this new ticket is launched.  

"I raised this issue in Parliament with the Minister for Local Transport and worked constructively with First Bus, having received hundreds of emails and relayed residents’ concerns.  

"It is vital that we ensure that there are sustainable and affordable ways for children to get to school and I will continue to be a champion on this for York Outer. 

"I know this news will be welcomed by parents across York and look forward to this government franchising the bus network and communities taking back control.  

"I remain committed to be an active MP campaigning locally on the issues that matter locally, and if constituents have any ideas for future campaigns locally please get in touch."

A spokesperson for First York said: “We have considered views expressed since the start of the new academic year and following a further review have taken the decision to introduce the child five-day ticket, which represents a 10 per cent discount on choosing to purchase the £1 child single for all school journeys each week.”