Public transport users in York will not benefit from fuel price reductions

The media is reporting that First buses do not intend to reduce fares in the light of the recent 20% reduction in diesel costs.

Fuel price graph Aug 2015

Pump prices have fallen for a high of 150 pence per litre to just 112 ppl in York this week. The downward trend in diesel prices has been sustained since First last increased their charges.

In some cases – season tickets – prices will actually increase.

The decision mirrors that of the taxi trade which declined to pass on the benefits of lower prices to customers earlier in the year.

Yesterday the government announced that regulated rail fares would increase by 1% in January. A study by suggested regulated fare prices jumped 25% between 2010 and 2015, while average pay rose 9% over the same period.

Unfortunately there is currently no independent organisation in York lobbying on behalf of public transport users.

Passengers complain about “left luggage” mystery tour at York station while East Coast records £6 million profit

Passengers are complaining that the left luggage “office” at York station means a long walk for passengers.

The route from the station involves walking over the Queens Street Bridge to a site near the Railway Institute.

Left luggage office at York Station

Left luggage office at York Station

It will be a gloomy and slippery route during winter weather.

It has been branded as too demanding for elderly passengers with heavy luggage.

The York ”left luggage” facility is advertised on railway web sites but is poorly signed in the station and on the access route.

“Left luggage” used to be available near platform 1 but this facility has now disappeared.

Left luggage lockers also were taken away in the wake of security concerns.

A more direct route to the new cabin would be possible across the long stay car park but the perimeter is secured.

East Coast Managing Director Karen Boswell has been asked to intervene to ensure that the service – which is important for a City with a large tourism industry – is improved

Meanwhile Skeldergate based East Coast trains have reported increased turnover for last year.

Annual results released by DOR on Tuesday show it paid the government £208m in premium and dividend payments in the year to March 31.

The operator generated a turnover of £694m during the period, up from £666m the year before, although an increase in operating expenditure reduced profits. Pre-tax profit dipped to £5.9m from £7m previously.

A process to re-privatise the line will begin later this month. A winning bidder is expected to be announced in October 2014 before the franchise changes ownership in February 2015.

The contact is expected to be fiercely contested by a number of domestic and foreign rail companies. Eurostar announced last week it planned to bid for the contract as part of a joint venture with fellow French rail group Keolis.