University launches city bus service as part of sustainable transport plan
Posted on 12 October 2000
The bus service will also be available to the public and will cover routes via Rowntrees, the Hospital and Monks Cross.
The new buses Y28 and Y29 have had their routes determined mainly by a postcode analysis of staff and student addresses and by key University links around the city. Tang Hall, Heworth, Monkbar, the College of Ripon and York, the Hospital, Rowntrees and Monks Cross are key stops on the route.
"We want our transport policy to be as environmentally-friendly as possible," said Dr Andy Macdonald, Director of Facilities Management at the University. "But if we want to encourage staff and students to leave their cars at home, we need to provide real choice through alternative forms of transport to work. The new buses are part of that campaign."
"We are delighted to be involved in this initiative," said Peter Dew of Top Line Travel. "Good public transport is essential in an historic city like York. With so many students and staff living near the routes of Y28 and Y29, we are confident that the buses will become a commercial success. Most of our drivers worked for York Pullman and they are looking forward to renewing acquaintance with their former passengers."
The blue and white buses are part of the new 'University Community Initiative' and are open to members of the public as well as to University members. Staff and students will be able to buy tickets for the new service on campus. Other passengers will buy their tickets as normal, on the bus.
Notes to editors:
- The University's Sustainable Transport Plan is launched this term. It includes new cycle routes and new car-parking plans, as well as the new bus services.
- Top Line Travel was launched this year by Peter Dew, formerly manager of York Pullman. The company already runs city sightseeing buses in York. This is its first expansion into local bus routes. The buses for the new route are supplied by Plaxtons of Scarborough.
- Further information on the bus route and timetable can be found at http://www.york.ac.uk/admin/dfm/sustainable.transport/page3.html