THE First York bus company has backed down over some of its planned fare increases for journeys to the outskirts of the city.

The company's bus fares had been due to go up tomorrow, but the increases for New Earswick, Haxby and Dunnington will not now be as steep as first advertised.

For example, a planned increase on the New Earswick route of 55p from £1.05 to £1.60 will now be kept to 25p.

The increase was tempered in the face of criticism from City of York Council and other interested parties. The council today welcomed the major re-think by the bus operator following intervention by council transport officers.

Coun Dave Merrett, the council's executive member for planning, transport and the environment, asked council officials to look into the company's proposed new fare structures following concern over large rises on some routes.

Coun Merrett said he was extremely concerned that the fare rises were being introduced at such short notice.

He said: "After hearing about the company's plans I asked the council's officers to investigate and raise my concern about these rises and the speed with which they are being introduced.

John Fletcher, commercial manager for First York, told the Evening Press the decision was taken out of "fairness" for the passengers who may have been hit by the disproportionate increases.

"We have redrawn the zones to keep the price rise down," he said.