THESE are the buses that are set to revolutionise public transport in York.

The first four of the £11m fleet of 98 state-of-the-art buses arrived at First York's Elvington depot, preparing to hit the streets in September.

The new Metro bus system is expected to be introduced on September 16, by which time 20 of the modern, environmentally-friendly buses will be on the roads.

In total 53 single deckers, 12 double deckers and 33 midibuses - shorter buses more adept at running on housing estates - will offer customers a more comfortable, spacious, relaxing, quiet and smooth journey.

This, together with improved reliability, should make the public transport system in York more attractive and easier to use.

The new buses have clean engines to meet European standards and offer low-floor, easy access for parents with pushchairs and buggies, people in wheelchairs and the elderly.

The introduction of the new Metro system has been delayed as the bus company suffers from industrial relations problems.

The cloud of strike action has not yet lifted, as drivers are yet to accept a pay deal.

But First York bosses are keen to resolve the outstanding issues in order to get the Metro system into action as soon as possible.

"The combination of the new bus fleet and the new York Metro network will give the people of York a public transport network they can be proud of," said John Fletcher, commercial manager at First York.

"Using the public transport system will make the city a much more pleasant place in which to live and work.

"The lads are excited about the new vehicles, they will be more comfortable to drive and better for staff and passengers alike.

"This is an exciting time for the company."

The four buses will be brought on to routes on September 1, with the rest of the fleet arriving by the end of the year.

Mr Fletcher dismissed speculation that the strike action could result in the company losing the buses.

Updated: 12:08 Thursday, August 02, 2001