City of York Council and First (York) has unveiled a new £200k vehicle capable of tackling overcrowding and reducing queues on York's successful Park & Ride services.

The articulated bus, capable of carrying over 140 passengers has been undergoing trials this week on the green line Park & Ride service that runs between Rawcliffe Bar and Museum Street. This is one of a number of solutions currently under investigation by City of York Council and First (York).

If the trials are successful, more buses could be borrowed from First (Leeds) for the summer to run on popular Park & Ride services to Askham Bar and Rawcliffe Bar.

Colin Knight, the council's head of transport planning, said: "The growing popularity of Park & Ride in York means that it is becoming difficult to meet passenger demand during busy times. High capacity buses should enable us to reduce delays for passengers."

Peter Edwards, commercial manager at First (York) said, "We are committed to improving the travel experience for our customers from start to finish and hope that if they prove successful these new vehicles will make Park & Ride a more enjoyable experience."

Councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing, the council's executive member for planning and transport, said: "Park & Ride is a key component of York's transport strategy. I have taken note of complaints that the service has been overcrowded this summer and have encouraged council officers and First (York) to come up with solutions to the problem."

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