YORK travellers are being urged to take advantage of a bus service with a difference in the city.

Transport bosses are looking to raise awareness of the Pink Badger service - which runs from Badger Hill to Piccadilly in the city centre.

The "hail and ride" minibus service runs two mornings a week, but City of York Council believes some people are unaware that it is out and about.

The minibus, which is marked by a pink badger logo displayed in the front and rear windscreens, was organised by the local ward committee after residents were faced with a long walk when the regular bus service was cut.

Alison Munro, neighbourhood co-ordinator for Walmgate ward, said: "The Pink Badger is a great example of the way in which ward committees can use their budgets to try out new ideas to resolve local issues, but we are aware that not everyone knows about it or that they can simply flag it down on its way into the city centre."

The minibus is wheelchair accessible and will stop anywhere along

Crossways, Sussex Road, Eastfield Crescent, Deramore Drive and Yarburgh Way, as well as stopping at all the bus stops along its route into town.

The service will operate every Tuesday and Thursday morning, leaving Field Lane Bus Stop at 9.15am and picking up from Piccadilly Stop D at 11.30am.

A return fare from Badger Hill to Piccadilly is £2.05, single is £1.15.

Updated: 08:50 Wednesday, April 23, 2003