The fate of the number 13 bus hangs in the balance as time draws closer to its review date of October. First planned to cut the unprofitable service earlier this year, but it was kept in operation until October, along with plans to better promote the service and increase its patronage.

Labour transport spokesperson and Heworth ward councillor, Ruth Potter said:

"The number 13 service is very much still under threat, and First is considering a number of ways in which is can increase passenger numbers before the service's review in October. Any promotions will be advertised on the bus as well as First's website. I urge people who really value and need the service to use it in the coming 6 weeks, and hopefully beyond".

First proposed shortly after the service was retained to introduce various initiatives to increase the number of paying customers using the service. But it remains unclear what progress has been made in achieving this, and further promotion of the service may be necessary, according to Coun. Potter. She added:

"I would urge First do all it can to promote the service in the coming weeks and give the public a chance to respond to the threat facing the service. The promised marketing and promotion of the service is rather late in the day when the review comes in only a few weeks time. Anything First can do to make using the bus a more attractive option, it should try. The recent poor weather and rising fuel costs may help, but we will have to wait until October to see whether First's late initiatives have helped to make the service commercially viable".