TRANSPORT MINISTER Paul Clark has hailed York as a shining example as he visited the city to launch the latest version of Kickstart – a multi-million fund for bus services.

The £25 million package of measures aims to provide new and improved bus services across England. They aim to better connect local communities with vital services as well as to help tackle congestion and rural accessibility by offering people more alternatives to their car.

Among the ventures which have previously won support is a rural bus service – through a series of villages between Easingwold and York – which received £186,000 in 2005.

Mr Clark said: “Good local transport is vital, providing essential links to friends, work and local amenities.

“This latest round of funding will give crucial financial support to services which may be commercially marginal for operators, but which have the potential to benefit local residents.

“York is a shining example of how effective partnership-working between councils, bus companies, passenger groups and local police can result in a first-class service and Kickstart funding has made a real difference to some communities in North Yorkshire by providing better links from more rural areas to the city.”

He said it was the Government’s long-term plan to encourage people to leave cars at home as about 25 per cent of car journeys were less than two miles.

“If we look at congestion problems, as well as the issue of rising obesity, we want to ensure public transport is up to scratch to get people walking, cycling or using buses instead of cars.”

Damon Copperthwaite, assistant director of transport and city development in York, said better bus services would improve congestion in the city.

“Congestion is an issue. Yet we do have one of the best bus services across the country, such as our Park&Ride services and First, but there is always room for improvement.”

Funding applications will be accepted through to July 3, with successful schemes announced in autumn.