A NEW bus service was launched earlier this month in York has attracted more than 35,000 customers within weeks.

The Your bus 66 started operating on August 2 and serves York Railway Station, the city centre, the University of York and York Sport Village via Lakeside Way.

The service which offers free Wi-Fi and features the Cycle Alert safety feature is provided by First Bus in partnership with the University of York.

It offers integrated ticketing to give passengers access to the whole of the York network, and students can now take advantage of a new 20-trip £17 smartcard ticket available on the 'Yorkey Card' from the Student Union shop or from the bus driver.

The Your bus network for university staff, students and visitors is expected to be complete next month.

From September 28, there will be nine buses an hour, Monday to Saturday daytime but will also start operating 24 hours a day seven days a week, providing hourly services throughout the night.

The university's free shuttle bus 'ub1' will also start running from that date every 30 minutes using an electric vehicle as well as the late night clubbers' bus and an early morning University to Hospital service.

Another new service ,'Your bus 56' , will be launched to serve the University, Student Castle - the new student accommodation on Walmgate, and Kings Manor, providing a city-centre loop including Sainsbury's, the train station and capturing all of the main bus hubs before returning to the University.

Will Pearson, Business Manager for First in York, said: "We're really pleased to have welcomed so many new customers on our new premium Your bus 66 service. The university services are an important part of the York bus network and First York in partnership with the University of York look forward to welcoming even more customers."