Y ORK’S buses have become the latest casualty of the economic downturn. Operator First York is slashing services across the city, blaming a fall in passenger numbers because of the recession.

Evening services to Haxby, Stamford Bridge and Copmanthorpe on the number 10, 12 and 13 buses are being axed altogether. Elsewhere, the frequency of off-peak services is being reduced.

In another blow, the bus link to Leeds-Bradford Airport, launched in a blaze of publicity only two years ago, is being scrapped.

Explaining the move, Dave Alexander, managing director for First in North and West Yorkshire, said today: “During the final quarter of last year, and like many other businesses, we experienced a decline in the number of customers using our services. As a result, regrettably, we are taking action now.”

The move has sparked condemnation from politicians and transport leaders in the city.

City strategy boss Coun Steve Galloway said the cuts would simply force people back into their cars. Labour leader Coun David Scott said young people without their own transport would suffer most. “More isolation, social exclusion, dependence upon the car, congestion and poor air quality will be the only outcomes,” he said.

We understand the commercial pressures First is operating under. A bus company is no more immune to the economic circumstances than any other business.

But we fear there may well be some truth to the concerns of councillors Galloway and Scott – especially since this is the third major shake-up of bus services by First in the past year. The axing of the airport bus will also affect tourism: one area where the city is still doing well because of the weak pound.

There is one silver lining. First has announced a new, half-hourly service between York and Leeds city centres, calling at Tadcaster. That is a good move. But it will be little comfort to passengers who rely on buses to get around their home city.