Shoppers to get New Year's Day buses for the first time

The BID has agreed to underwrite services provided by East Yorkshire Motor Services (EYMS) and Stagecoach on New Year's Day, when both operators' services are normally suspended.

It is hoped the measure will maximise income for city centre businesses on New Year's Day, which falls on a Saturday, and also give the bus companies a chance to profit.

Kathryn Shillito, city centre manager for Hull BID, said: "Once the big stores announced they were planning to open on Boxing Day and New Year's Day it became clear they would present an opportunity to independent retailers by attracting big crowds.

"The problem was that the bus companies were not planning to operate any services on New Year's Day, so we stepped in to see if we could help.

"It's a massively important time of the year for the retail sector and we wanted to make sure provision was there."

The BID, which is funded by contributions from city centre businesses, is using some of its resources to underwrite services by EYMS and Stagecoach on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

The agreement will see the BID make up any losses incurred by the operators.

Peter Shipp, chairman and chief executive of EYMS, said his company already runs services on Boxing Day but the deal will put its buses on the road on New Year's Day for the first time in his memory.

"I can't remember the last time we operated services on New Year's Day," he said.

"We have agreed to operate a limited number of routes at a reduced frequency and Hull BID has agreed to underwrite the service.

"Hopefully the public will support the services and we will benefit along with the shops and Hull BID.

"It's something of an experiment but if it proves worthwhile we'll consider doing it again."

Stagecoach commercial manager Jon Donnelly added: "With the shops being open and people hopefully wanting to travel into the city centre we were able to work with Hull BID to provide services."