Christmas shoppers urged to use the bus to help avoid gridlock in York

Bumper crowds are expected in York today as the first weekend of the Christmas market begins.

It's one of the most popular events of its kind in the Country.

To help reduce traffic on the roads a new campaign is launching encouraging people to use the bus network in the City.

Funded by Government via York’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, the project between City of York Council, Make It York and each of the city’s seven bus operators brings together information from across all operators and helps those familiar with the city, as well as visitors, to plan their day by bus.

In addition to the campaign, many of York’s seven operators have increased the number of buses serving key routes over November and December, and the Park and Ride will see extra buses too.

A new dedicated Christmas travel page - www.itravelyork.info/christmas - offers route suggestions for passengers from surrounding towns and cities.

The new campaign will see posters at bus stops and in libraries, as well as a social media campaign targeting both York and towns where Market visitors come from.

James Gilchrist, Director of Transport, Environment and Planning said:

“York is rightly famous for its Christmas Market and thriving independent shopping scene, and we are working with partners, including bus operators to reduce congestion at a time when so many people come to enjoy York.

Here at City of York Council we have suspended major roadworks for the Christmas period but we are asking people to make a change themselves to help keep York moving by getting the bus. Just one double decker bus can carry up to 75 people, so imagine how much better it will be if everyone who can travel by bus does so this Christmas”.

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