IT has provided a travel lifeline for thousands of city commuters.

But today, York's bus information service will shut and opposition councillors are angry a replacement has not been considered.

Budget cuts have forced the closure of the service, which delivers timetable advice for city bus services to callers.

City of York Council has reminded residents the office, based in George Hudson Street, will close its doors for the final time today.

The authority said from June 1, anyone wanting help with bus times or planning a journey should phone 01904 551400.

The call will be diverted to the regional traveline office in Hull at no extra cost. That traveline office is staffed from 8am to 8pm every day.

The move has not satisfied members of Labour's shadow executive, who have complained a replacement for the service was not considered before it was due to close.

Tracey Simpson-Laing, shadow city strategy spokeswoman, said: "We are extremely concerned that a report on the bus information replacement service has been deferred, given that the service is due for closure today and that there are clearly very significant concerns about some of the services which it provides.

"We have demanded assurances that proper plans are being made, and that the public will not be left without a decent bus information service.

"While I am sure that the reply to my comments will be that the phone number will stay the same, people like access to timetables and need to know where they can get them from.

"The Lib Dems keep saying they are trying to encourage greater bus use, but I fail to see how they think not having an adequate bus information service in place will do that."

The council said that to collect a bus pass or a Yo Zone card, residents should visit the council's reception at 9 St Leonard's Place, York.

Anyone wanting a timetable should call the relevant bus company direct.

A full list of local bus operators is available on the council's website at www.york.gov.uk/roads/bus or by phoning 01904 551400.