WITH reference to “Goodbye to ftr?” (Letters, May 15), much of the investment made by the council on the number 4 (ftr) route would benefit any public transport operator using any type of bus on these streets. Most was invested in reconstructing worn-out roads and those that benefited – including, for example, Cornlands Road – show few signs of wear and tear three years later.

Funds were also invested in new raised kerbs at bus stops to make access easier for those with disabilities, while off-street parking was provided where possible to ensure that obstruction of the route did not cause reliability problems. The only discrete expenditure, to accommodate the ftr, was on junction and corner revisions, which are also now of benefit to any articulated vehicle.

University Road was not reconstructed in 2006. It will benefit from the generally higher standards now in place, which reflect the impact of our warmer climate coupled with increasing traffic volumes. The effect of both became evident on parts of the motorway network a few years ago.

These problems have little to do with the ftr, which has been adopted in other cities, such as Leeds and Swansea, and for which the manufacturers have a full order book from users across the world. It remains the only vehicle with comfort and access levels comparable to conventional tram systems, yet it cost a fraction of the costs of a rail-based system and can be implemented much more quickly.

We look forward to testing the new hybrid drive system model, which has significantly reduced emissions. It will be one of the options considered for use at the three new Park&Ride sites planned for the city over the next three years.

Coun Steve Galloway, Executive member for city strategy, City of York Council, The Guildhall, York.