Whilst certainly not of the same magnitude as the one in the East Midlands, there is something of a ‘bus war’ happening in York. Several years ago, the University of York opened up its new campus, some two miles away from the old one. The University offered to subsidise an extension of First York’s route 4 from the old campus to the new, however, given the cost of a new Wright Streetcar (used on the route at the time) they declined. As such, the University turned to York Pullman, who introduced their 'Unibus’ 44 service. This route largely followed the 4 from the train station, but due to the use of ‘normal’ buses, they could serve Merchangate, a street closer to the major shops. Of course, there was also the extension to Heslington East.

The broader range of destinations, the cheaper fares and encouragement from the University quickly made the 44 many students’ route of choice. First retaliated by extending their route to Heslington East, but without the subsidy and without the use of the University’s campus road. Both services offered free campus hops, but without a subsidy, First were at a distinct disadvantage. The 44 was clearly winning the fight.

Last September, First decided to put their cards on the table, and ran the 4 every 7/8 minutes, in the hope that they would offer a better product than the 44. By doing so, however, they withdrew from Heslington East, at the same time as a 1,200 halls of residence opened there. The 44 struggled with capacity to the point where it went to a 7/8 minute frequency from Christmas. First’s plan had quite simply failed.

The new corporate livery is starting to find its way onto route 4

During this ordeal, First not only lost a lot of custom but also fell out of favour with the University. Trandsdev (Pullman’s successor) are the University’s “preferred transport provider.” Fortunately it seems they may have been given the opportunity for a reprieve.

This year, the University has been overwhelmed with incoming first year students, and the University guarantees all of them accommodation. Demand has outstripped supply and this has resulted in some private sector accommodation being hired by the university and let out as their own. The University is obliged to get these students from their homes, in various estates around York, to the University.  Given First’s comprehensive network, it was inevitable that they would be approached. As such, their service 4 once again returns to Heslington East, to allow connections from Acomb to the south of the city. Furthermore, for the first time, their service 6 will be extended to Heslington East interchange, allowing a direct bus to Osbaldwick, Tang Hall, the Hospital and Clifton Moor. Great new links for students and minimal expenditure for First. This improved network could also prove to be a lifesaver for the 4, which does seem to struggle due to the competition.

Route 6 will extend to the University for the first time this October

They haven’t been involved as Transdev of course. Their 44 continues to run every 7/8 minutes with the support of the University and Student’s Union. That's alongside an improved 'CB2 clubber's bus" service, which runs during the small hours of the morning, 3 days a week.

The 44 uses a varied fleet, from midi-buses to double deckers

But that isn’t the only route they run through the University. The UB1 is a free campus shuttle, paid for by the University. For the next term, this is to be run by an MPD, sourced from elsewhere within the Blazefield group which replaces a Plaxton Primo that was inherited from Pullman. The Primo is said to have been exported to New Zealand. The MPD advertises its successor, an Optare Solo EV, purchased with the help of the Green Bus Fund, which is due in service after Christmas.

This MPD is the temporary traction on the UB1, until Christmas

Also run by Transdev, The 20 shopper service links the University’s two campuses with Monks Cross and Clifton Moor, two popular shopping parks. The service is part funded by York City Council but also part funded by the University, allowing students to get discounted tickets.

This bright pink Versa is branded for route 20

Transdev York’s older sister, Coastliner, also run a service to the University. The half-hourly 844 was set up in retaliation of First’s attempts to run a Leeds to York service, in competition with Coastliner. The extension to the University isn't especially popular so maybe Transdev are hoping the latest intake may show some interest.

The introduction of the 844 led to there being 4 buses an hour between Leeds and York

Finally, Transdev will be running a new service to the University this year. The University has housed a number of students in “The Boulevard”, private sector accommodation designed in the same way as halls of residence. This facility is fairly close to the University, but sadly not quite on the Unibus route. As such, a new ‘SB1’ service will link the University’s two campuses with the Foss Islands retail park (which includes a Morrisons supermarket) via “The Boulevard.”

It's not known what will run the SB1, but York branded Solos would be an educated guess

One service not to be operated by Transdev this year is the 27. This service, operated under contract to York City Council, ran from the City Centre to the University via Fulford. This, along with a number of services interworked with it passed to Arriva Selby from Transdev a few months ago, thus massively increasing their presence in York.

An Arriva 27 leads a queue of buses at the University

Alongside this, whilst out and about over the past few days, I have noticed, on several occasions, an Arriva double decker driving not in service through the University, with a number of drivers on board. Could the competition for the University be about to see another player? Or will yet another destination be available to the students of York?

All the pictures included are (c) Nelboy MazeTeam on flickr. To see his interesting and up to date photostream, click here.