A CAR manufacturer has stepped in to help save a York bus route, but other services in the city will change from this weekend.

Rosti Automotive have struck a deal with City of York Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Stamford Bridge parish council, to help subsidise the number 10 evening service from Nether Poppleton to York city centre and Stamford Bridge.

The service was threatened under funding cuts from York council, but as many of Rosti’s staff rely on the buses to get to and from their shifts, the firm agreed with East Riding and Stamford Bridge councils to each put £2000 a year towards the subsidy. Evening journeys on the number 10 have been secured, but Sunday evening buses will stop from this weekend, and mid evening services will be reduced.

Across York, other services are facing cuts from this weekend, because of a drop in subsidies given by the city council. These were first announced in April and finalised in June. Altogether, they will shave £155,000 off the council’s bills.

Cllr Ian Gillies, executive member for transport, said they had looked at many different options, and only made decisions after “extensive consultation” with passengers and bus companies.

He added: “Making alterations to these services has helped the council meet the required savings target whilst maintaining as many bus services as possible.”

Sunday services will be cancelled on the 11, 13 and 16a; there will be a revised timetable on the 22, 22X, 23 and 23X; and the orbital 20 route will start running a shortened route between Rawcliffe, Clifton Moor, Haxby, Huntington, Monks Cross and Heworth.

From Tuesday, the 36 and 36X will have different timetables run by York Pullman; and during the first few days of September the 14 and 19 will both lose their Sunday services and the 27 and 647 will be cancelled altogether.

Revised timetables will be operated on the 30, 40, 24, 26, 627, 415 and 416. However, new weekday evening services will start on the 19, the 637 will have later services in both directions, and a new number 25 bus will link Fulford to the city centre and Derwenthorpe.

Full details are available at www.itravelyork.info/buses