LOCAL bus services in York could be in jeopardy if Government plans on fuel duty are carried through, a councillor has warned.

Bus operators currently get rebates totalling about 80 per cent of the fuel duty they pay, but now this could be axed after the coalition administration decided to look at the system again.

Coun Ruth Potter, transport spokesperson for City of York Council’s Labour group, said abolishing the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) might lead to companies deciding to get rid of routes which do not make large profits.

“The headline from the major bus companies is that their profits will be hit severely, but of more serious concern are those people who are likely to be affected if the BSOG is cut,” she said.

“There would be a number of negative outcomes, from an end to existing bus services, particularly those operated by the smaller companies, more fare increases and, most worryingly, a threat to community transport provision.

“This means people will become socially isolated and stuck in their homes, affecting many weekend and evening activities as people can no longer get to events by public transport.”

Coun Potter said public transport subsidies must continue if the changes were brought into force.