THE backlash against plans to axe a number of evening bus services and reduce timetables in York has gathered pace with the launch of a fight to scrap the plans.

The Fares Fair campaign, led by Coun James Alexander, also calls for a freeze in ticket prices until 2011.

First York announced last week that was being forced to implement a number of changes which it put down to a decline in the number of customers using its services.

These included the withdrawal of evening service No 10 from Stamford Bridge to Poppleton and the York/Haxby section of service No 12, after 7.30pm.

Also to be axed is the evening service No 13, which runs from Copmanthorpe to Monks Cross, and the York Airlink service to Leeds-Bradford International Airport, which is described as “not commercially viable.”

Coun Alexander said: “We are in the middle of a global credit crisis and First York has just proposed cutting further bus services after putting up fares eight times in the last six years. I assume service cuts will mean laying off staff.”

He said: “I am also fully aware that if you live on the outskirts of York and you are not wealthy enough to own a car or you are too young to drive, that you rely on these bus services to get to and from town, quite often to get to and from work.

“I have contacted First and explained that I believe fares in York need to be frozen for the next two years to help keep down the outgoings of those travelling to work and that a review should occur to look at service provision on the outskirts of York.”

Coun Alexander, the prospective Labour parliamentary candidate for York Outer said First now needed someone to “stand up to them.”

His campaign has been applauded by resident affected by the cuts.

Copmanthorpe resident Roger Bastin said: “An affordable, integrated public transport system is essential to the future prosperity and survival of York. And it must be a system that does not exclude the surrounding villages.”

Those wanting more information on Coun Alexander’s campaign can visit www.yorkfaresfair.info