BUS passengers are set to enjoy a new twist to their journeys when First unveils a £1.2 million investment in York next week.

The James Street company will receive six 'bendy-buses' on Monday for use on York Park&Ride services.

The vehicles, which cost a mammoth £200,000 each, can carry 170 passengers and are able to negotiate York's tight streets and low underpasses.

The buses, brought to York following extensive consultation between First and City of York Council, will free up other vehicles for the bus company's high frequency service.

The special buses will run on Park&Ride services at Grimston Bar, Askham Bar and Rawcliffe and will alleviate queues during busy peak times.

Park&Ride has proved so popular with commuters that, last year, demand was causing supply problems for First.

But the new buses, which were tried out in the city last August, should ease concerns during rush hours.

Jonathan May, First managing director, said he was delighted to have secured the vehicles for York people.

"This is great news for passengers," he said. "These buses have an amazing wow factor about them. "It is something I have wanted to do since I arrived (in January).

"If we had used double-decker vehicles on some routes they would quickly become single vehicles!

"First has pioneered these vehicles and we were very keen to bring them to York. We wanted to take Park&Ride to the next level and we are delighted they are coming.

"We will be able to put other vehicles on to other high frequency services and are looking at the ten, four and 12 services."

Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, the council's executive member for transport, said: "First has listened to our requests and we believe that these six buses will help to improve services in the city of York.

"They will be a success in tackling the queues of people at Park&Ride stops and I am absolutely delighted that they are coming. I am sure that they are going to be a success."

Updated: 08:54 Thursday, April 10, 2003