BUS giant First is axing two-thirds of its York school services - in a bid to concentrate on its much-heralded Metro operation.

Chiefs at the York firm said there are simply not enough drivers to make a full-time commitment to running pick-up routes to and from schools in the city.

But it emerged today that the decision could have been influenced by the behaviour of youngsters on unescorted services.

From next month, First will run only four of its 12 contracted services. The James Street operator wanted to end its schools contract in the summer, but was persuaded to carry on for another term.

Services to Fulford and Huntington schools will not be affected. But with First looking to concentrate resources on its flagship Metro routes, much of the school run has been sacrificed.

Paul Bell, First operations manager, said: "We gave the council the required seven weeks notice in the summer.

"This was because Metro required 15 more drivers than we had at the time. We were asked to continue for this term and we agreed. It has been a matter of resources. They (the services) are a problem in terms of behaviour. At the end of the day it comes down to how you control 60 to 70 kids on a bus. We don't provide escorts, the local authority won't. We have got rid of a problem. We will not re-tender for school services."

A City of York Council spokesman said: "We have managed to arrange new contracts with other suppliers and replacement services for most of the contracts run by First have already begun.

"The full transfer will come into operation after Christmas. We have managed this process successfully thanks to Coach Travel Services, Stephensons of Easingwold, K and J Travel, Sykes of Appleton Roebuck and Just Travel.

"Poor pupil behaviour on some services may have been a factor, but such problems are not exclusive to York and usually only involve a small proportion of pupils."

Updated: 10:45 Tuesday, December 18, 2001