Lib Dem response to bus fare changes
Commenting on changes to bus fares introduced by First York on 3rd July, Councillor Andrew Hollyer, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for York Outer said: "Whilst fare increases are not surprising, given the out of control inflation we're currently experiencing, it is disappointing to see the scale of these increases (between 17% and 67%) and the way in which First York are targeting these increases at students and those that need to pay with cash - who are more likely to be on low incomes and have no other means of transport.
"For example, as reported by the BBC (Cashless businesses 'penalise' people with disabilities, claim families - BBC News) 'many people with learning disabilities rely on cash because they do not have access to a debit card, or because someone else controls their money. There is no justification for such a disparity in rates between cash and cashless payment and I am calling on First Bus to ensure those that need to pay with cash are not discriminated against further. These bus fare changes come at a time when the new administration at City of York Council seems likely to remove the option for residents to use cash to pay for parking (see https://democracy.york.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=1061&MId=14337). The impacts of any proposed changes must be properly assessed before a final decision is made."