(Image Credits: UNSPLASH)
First Bus had planned to remove the service citing low usage figures, but have reversed this decision following efforts by the Students’ Union to retain the route amidst student and staff opposition.
York SU and the University sought insight from students and staff about the impact of scrapping the service, which included Union Affairs Officer Sam Dickinson seeking student feedback on the plans via Instagram, as well as University consultation with staff. In total the views of over 100 students and staff, as well as the College Chairs and Presidents, were presented to First Bus York resulting in this U-turn.
The U4 bus route is one of the official University buses, running from the University of York Campus East Interchange to the York Designer Outlet, which is a key employer for students working to support their studies.
President of Vanbrugh College, Theo Spick, who works at the Designer Outlet, voiced his frustration at the proposed service cut: “[my] travel times would increase from 10 minutes to an hour”. He also expressed anger at the 100% increase in fares this would entail, as the alternate buses do not accept the student concessionary fare.
Approximately 8,000 students live on or around the U4 route, with many more using it to access part-time work at the Designer outlet.
Both York SU and the University have celebrated the U-turn and their collaborative effort in opposing First Bus’ plans, thanking students and staff for sharing their views.
Union Affairs Officer Sam Dickinson described it as “a huge win for students who work”, and argued that “the removal of the service may have made financial sense for First Bus, but it made zero sense for the 70% of students who have to work alongside their studies. That is who we should serve first and foremost.” He also thanked First Bus for taking on board student concerns, saying: “I look forward to working with them on improving student buses in York.”
Kris Fieldhouse, Assistant Director of Campus Services at the University, said: “The retention of the U4 bus service to the Designer Outlet for the forthcoming academic year is great news and will continue to support our students in accessing work and social opportunities at this popular venue. Feedback from both students and staff was invaluable, informing our discussions with First York and in successfully retaining this route. It has been great to work with Sam on this, and ensuring that this particular service remains in place is definitely a positive outcome as we plan for 26/27”.