First York has outlined its plans to cope with an increase in passengers as the Stay At Home rule is relaxed.

It will operate a full weekday timetable throughout the school holidays in the city, apart from the Easter weekend.

On Good Friday and Saturday April 3, it will operate a Saturday timetable and on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday a Sunday timetable.

The bus company, which operates Park and Ride services as well as local services in York, is expecting a gradual increase in passenger numbers.

National coronavirus advice will continue to stress that journeys should be kept to a minimum.

Marc Bichtemann, Managing Director of First York, said: “We have the capacity to manage changes in travel demand and would simply encourage those who may be using the bus again for the first time in while that we have tools to help them plan journeys.

"Our app has a live bus map showing available seats on buses as they approach a stop and Space Checker to look for quieter times of the day to travel up to a week ahead.”

He said: “Face coverings must be worn, unless exempt, for the whole journey.

"We are pleased to see customers obeying the law as this makes travel even safer and more pleasant for fellow passengers and our drivers, who continue to do a brilliant job in getting people around the city.”

He warned that passengers should check timetables before travelling as they may have changed since their last bus journey and he urged passengers to buy tickets in advance using the First York app or use contactless payment on buses.