Young people can take advantage of a £1 bus fare that will take them into the Yorkshire Dales this summer.

The Dales Integrated Transport Alliance (DITA) is hoping that record numbers of under 19s will use the bus over the holidays.

The £1 fare is available on all services operating in the Dales until September 1.

DITA believes this will enable young people to pursue leisure and casual work opportunities and free up the “taxi of mum and dad”.

The alliance started its “One Way £1” initiative in October, 2012 after listening to young people and local communities in the Dales.

They voiced concern that high fares put barriers up and denied youngsters access to social opportunities, part-time work and educational activities outside normal school hours.

Since then, the number of young bus users in the area has soared by an average of more than 50 per cent.

The scheme is available after 5pm on weekdays and at any time during weekends and the school holidays.

Helen Flynn, DITA chairman, said: “What we hope is that we have a ‘bus ride bonanza’ in the Dales over the summer months, so that young people get into the habit of using the bus.

“If we get a significant increase in regular users, we hope to use the data to help persuade national Government that for a relatively small subsidy - or possible even none - fares can be affordable, simple and consistent for young people nationally.”

The scheme grew out of the Craven Youth Council’s “ride around for a pound” scheme that took place in both August 2011 and 2012.

For details of available routes and operators, including a service that runs from Skipton into Upper Wharfedale, visit dalesconnect.net.