YORK'S soaring bus fares are to be examined by top councillors.

Transport bosses are to be asked to hold further talks with operator First York, to voice their concerns at the cost of bus travel in the city.

A petition organised by Heworth councillor Ruth Potter, and signed by 99 Heslington residents, will go before City of York Council's city strategy panel next Monday.

A report with the agenda for that meeting shows how prices changed between 2003 and 2007. It includes a 120 per cent increase in the cheapest single fare - from 50p to £1.10.

Other large increases include an adult day-ticket, which has increased by 59 per cent, from £2.20 to £3.50 The petition formally objects to recent fare rises by First York, and calls upon the council to make more effort to resist future increases.

The council has no authority over First York, but can help influence prices through discussions with the firm. This has brought concessions in the past, such as the introduction of a Family Ticket.

A report to the city strategy panel, written by the council's public transport planner, Terry Walker, says: "While the rate at which the cost of using bus services is a cause for concern, it is recognised that the council's ability to influence this is both severely limited and constrained."

Richard Eames, managing director of First York, said: "The major costs of the bus industry - fuel, insurance and wages - have all increased over the past years. Some have outstripped the normal costs of living.

"Obviously our drivers have got to have a living wage, and while there have been increases, we have tried to do different things for the benefit of our customers, such as the recent 50p fare for children.

"We have made a significant reduction there, and we are looking for other ways of promoting buses."

Meanwhile, the city strategy panel will also receive a petition from Elvington residents, on the bus services to and from their village.

About 320 people have signed calls for more frequent services, especially in the evening.

Local councillor Christian Vassie said: "At the very least I would like to see a Friday evening bus service come to Elvington. It has been tried in Wheldrake and has proved very successful. I suspect that service no longer needs subsidising, and I would be happy to move that subsidy to Elvington."