Labour have today abandoned their plans to introduce a “Quality Contract” system of bus franchising into the City. They have finally accepted that such a scheme is neither practical nor affordable.

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Instead bus services will continue to be provided by the existing bus companies although some attempt is going to be made to improve coordination arrangements.

They are hoping that the Government will provide funding for a “Better Bus Area Fund” but it seems unlikely that such funding would be made available unless the Council and bus companies both agree in future to make performance information available to passengers.

It was only last week that the Council refused to release usage information about their flagship “all York” bus ticket.

More on this story to come later.