All aboard for new city bus fleet

The eleven new FTR vehicles cost £300,000 each

Commuters across York will be the first in the country to use a new futuristic fleet of buses on Monday.

Eleven of the vehicles, called FTR's, have taken over one of the city's key commuter routes.

Each FTR, a cross between a tram and a bus, is fitted with satellite tracking technology so operator First can trace them at any given time.

The tracking system also means traffic lights can be changed when late-running buses are near.

Residents on the number four route in Acomb, Dringhouses and Heslington will be the first to use the new vehicles.

Customers can get timetable information and buy tickets in advance using their mobile phones.

The FTR scheme is a partnership between First and the City of York Council, who hope it will get people out of cars and on to public transport in a bid to ease congestion.