Extension for £1 or free bus fares for young people
Reduced bus fares for children and young people in York are being extended beyond their four-month trial to support families and encourage them to choose sustainable transport.
From 1 February to 31 December 2024, up to 3 children accompanied by an adult will continue to travel for free. We have also expanded the reductions so that anyone aged from 5 to 18 will pay no more than £1 for a single fare when travelling unaccompanied by an adult on any bus journey which starts and ends within the City of York boundary.
The age range has been increased, from 5-16 in the trial period, to 5-18 over the next 11 months. These fare reductions are being delivered using money from the city’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), which is funded by government and delivering projects such as fare subsidies and infrastructure improvements. The BSIP will run up to the end of March 2025 and aims to leave a lasting legacy of high-quality bus services.
The York Enhanced Partnership will also be introducing an All York Young Person’s Weekly ticket, applicable to 5-18 year olds and priced at £12 from 1 February. Future BSIP projects will include improvements to Park & Ride sites, bus priority measures and upgrades to infrastructure.
Young persons aged 11 to 18 need to show proof of age, such as a YOzone card, when requested to do so by the driver. You can apply for a free YOzone card online.
The £1 child single fare will be cheaper than the majority of single fares currently being offered, however for daily bus users, weekly or monthly child tickets will in many cases continue to offer the best value. The discounted fares are available on all local bus services within the City of York boundary, including Park & Ride, and will be available for purchase on the bus or via the operator apps. Dedicated school services, coach services, race day shuttle services or tour buses are not included in the offer. Note that under 5s can already travel free of charge on the city’s local bus network.
Councillor Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy and Transport at City of York Council, said:
“From teenagers travelling to sports and after school activities, to parents and children going shopping or visiting friends, everyone aged 5-16 will benefit from this fare reduction.
"It comes at a time when family budgets are under immense pressure and when we’ve got to start thinking about reducing car use and switch to more environmentally friendly modes of transport. We are pleased to be able to offer this £1 or free ticket price and encourage everyone to go by bus in York.”
Find more about All York tickets.