HAVING been frequently stuck behind the ftr while it blocks the road ahead, I have had time to ponder the wisdom of introducing these purple elephants.

Indeed, waiting in the middle lane at Blossom Street traffic lights - when they are at green - unable to get through as one of these leviathans blocks two lanes, or waiting patiently behind its back end sticking out at a stop while it doubles its payload by embarking a couple of passengers, has given me the impetus to write.

It makes me wonder whether I would spend more in fuel on a trip into town, idling behind it, than the £7.60 it would cost for us to take a return trip as a family from Grantham Drive, never mind the environmental impact of all the traffic stuck behind.

These buses cost millions to buy, cost thousands in altering bus stops and routes to accommodate them, are too big and unwieldy for our streets, are rarely more than a third to a half full, have pushed up the cost of public transport and, in my view, have a negative impact on the environment.

Isn't it time First York flogged them off or moved them to a city big enough for them to be appropriate, introduced better and cheaper services, with smaller vehicles, freeing up our roads and encouraging more of us to use the bus. Or is that just a bit too sensible and practical and not forward-thinking enough?

Heaven forfend they introduce them to any more routes in York. I know this has probably been done to death. However, if my rant helps hasten the funeral of these purple monsters, I've done my bit.

John Bramwell, Braeside Gardens, Holgate, York.