PEOPLE in York are being given the opportunity to help shape future bus services.

Travel company First, the city’s principal bus operator, wants people’s views on what they want from bus services, saying it will then consider what changes can be introduced.

A spokesman said it was determined to grow the number of people using buses, which would help ease congestion and improve air quality.

The consultation begins tomorrow when York’s Bus User Group will meet at City of York Council offices to discuss First’s current bus services.

First then plans to hold seven public drop-in sessions as follows:

• July 2, from 9am to noon at Bishopthorpe Methodist Hall, and from 4pm to 7pm at Copmanthorpe Howell Hall.

• July 3, Huntington Memorial Hall, noon to 3pm

• July 4, Osbaldwick Village Hall, 2pm to 5pm

• July 6, Clifton Moor Church & Community Centre, 2pm to 5pm

• July 9, Haxby & Wigginton Methodist Church Hall, 2pm to 5pm

• July 13, Acomb Parish Church Hall, 9am to noon

• July 16, at the council’s West Offices, 10am to 2pm.

There is also a customer survey online at firstgroup.com/yorkconsultation or people can write to First at Freepost Licence Number RRZY - GBKG – AKYR by no later than Friday, 26 July.

Coun Dave Merrett said: “The council is committed to working with bus companies and bus users in York to try and ensure we can deliver a better, more comprehensive network, with good frequencies, service coverage and usage.”