Transport issues mean a poor welcome to York

It was interesting to read the article by Paul Jeeves (Yorkshire Post, December 27) about the proposed review of York’s bus service with the hope of increasing passenger numbers. It does not need a costly report from Mary Portas to see what the problem is at the moment.

While waiting for the Yorkshire Coastliner service at the congested, cold, wind tunnel of the Stonebow area of the city, I listened to what the other passengers – most from the outlying area of Stockton Lane – in the queue were saying.

The main topic of conversation was that it was time that York came into the 21st century and provided a proper bus station with facilities like those of Leeds and other cities in Yorkshire.

It is also remarkable that if one is in the bus station in Leeds it is interesting to see how many passengers have exited York on the 844 service to go and do their shopping in Leeds.

I often forego my bus pass and take the train to Leeds station which has all the facilities, and have a nice coffee and go about my shopping knowing I do not have to endure the horror that is the transport position in York.

Another issue is the fact that the Tourist Information Centre in York has been moved from the railway station which is the main source of access for people who come to York including overseas visitors. Again, and while waiting outside the station, I can see bewildered people who often have luggage and who obviously are seeking information and do not know where to go for it.

York is a lovely city and it would be a pity to think it is being left behind the modern world. This is the year of the London Olympic Games and no doubt there will be more visitors in the country and they surely deserve a better welcome from York.