FIRSTLY, I would like to wish First well on the launch of the new ftr bus in the city, but do so cautiously.

I say this because people will need help with the new pre-pay ticketing systems and I hope First will have staff on board for a number of weeks to help.

I also asked that First quickly look at its technical equipment to ensure that family tickets can be purchased on board, which I understand they will not be able to.

It seems unfair that by having no choice but to use this new bus, families will have to pay a premium to use it compared with other bus users on non-ftr routes.

I still have strong reservations about bus passengers having to pay a different price for a ticket if they pay cash on the bus and would say to First this is York, not London or the continent.

To City of York Council's officers, I would also ask that they look across the city at bus stops that have no Kasel kerbs, timetable cases or bus shelters before they consider working with First to expand ftr to other routes, spending about £1.3m on infrastructure.

If the council is genuine in its aim to increase bus use, it must first look to providing a first-class infrastructure.

Just imagine what £1.3m could buy with regard to the aforementioned list.

There is also the roll-out of the real time displays at bus stops, which seems to have slowed down. People need to know when their bus will arrive and a system similar to that on the underground is a must at stops across the city.

Coun. Tracey Simpson-Laing,

Labour Spokesperson for Planning & Transport,

Salisbury Road,

York.

Updated: 09:37 Wednesday, May 10, 2006