CITY of York Council bosses have warned there is no money available to pay for extra bus services in Acomb.

They said that to subsidise improvements to frequencies or extensions to routes, significant cutbacks would be required elsewhere to stay within the budget.

However, they have suggested talks could be held with the bus company First to explore the possibility of an additional early-morning journey on one particular route - Service 26.

They have welcomed improvements to the company's bus stop information displays.

A report to the council's meeting of the executive member for planning and transport and advisory panel on Wednesday said concerns had been raised about bus services at an Acomb ward committee meeting.

Residents complained that Service 26 took an unattractive, circuitous route on some journeys and offered a lower frequency of service over a shorter period of the day than before.

People also called for the reinstatement of a through service to Monks Cross, which had been provided by Service 26 prior to changes made last September.

The report by public transport planner Terry Walker said a rise in frequency of Service 26 would require a subsidy increase estimated at up to £100,000 to support the deployment of two extra vehicles.

The number of people using the service, and any expected increase use of an improved frequency service, are insufficient to be recommended as good value for money. "It may, however, be possible to negotiate with First for provision of an extra journey at the beginning of the day to extend the period of daily operation. It is recommended that this is explored further with the company."

He said it was possible the company might be persuaded to run the additional journey at no additional cost to the council, or at a very modest additional cost.

He said the council's budget for support of "socially necessary" bus services was fully committed to existing subsidy contracts.

Updated: 08:33 Friday, May 27, 2005