A ground-breaking new public transport scheme, developed in partnership with transport operator First York Ltd, started on Monday 8 May 2006.

The ftr scheme saw the introduction of state-of-the-art articulated vehicles that look like trams but run on rubber wheels and use the road. The ftr route links the University of York, the city centre, Dringhouses and Acomb.

As part of the partnership, we have made improvements to bus shelters and bus stops. New technology gives ftr vehicles priority through traffic lights, to make sure they can move people around the city in comfort and without delay.

A key element of the ftr package is BLISS (Bus Location Information Sub System). Each ftr vehicle is fitted with satellite tracking technology which is linked to a central computer. The computer can tell where the ftr vehicle should be and will give traffic light priority to late-running vehicles. BLISS also gives First an overview of where all the ftr vehicles are at any given time, to ensure that the vehicles comply with timetables and run at equal intervals. It drives the Real Time Passenger Information technology that gives updated information to customers waiting at ftr stops along the route. Customers will also be able to use their mobile telephones to check when the next ftr is due at their stop.

Other improvements were made in advance of the ftr scheme. These included:

• A new stop outside York Railway Station and at the University of York (JB Morrell Library)
• The introduction of new Cityspace Columns at four points along the ftr route. Each Cityspace column displays real time passenger information, giving information about when the next ftr is due and allowing users to access other public transport and council information
• Raising the heights of the kerbs at each ftr stop. The raised kerbs mean that the kerb will then be the same height as the door of the ftr making it easy for everyone to get on and off, especially older and disabled customers and those with young children