The UK's first ftr scheme is now operating in York.  This is a pilot scheme giving both First and City of York Council the opportunity to be the first to trial an extremely progressive and sophisticated form of public transport.  All the elements of the ftr scheme were fully tested before the start of the new service but there is no substitute for the reality of day to day operation.  Real passengers and real staff are giving First and the council the opportunity to test all the variables in a real operating situation.  This will determine what works, what doesn't and what modifications might be needed.

Working together with City of York Council, First is at the forefront of developing new initiatives that will help to reduce car use in our towns and cities.  By comparison with the extremely long lead times for light rail projects this trial has been delivered in York extremely quickly and efficiently.  It is a little over one year since the launch of the prototype ftr vehicle and two years since the project was given the green light.  The partnership between First and City of York Council has delivered an innovative new scheme that is delivering a safe, comfortable and spacious alternative to the private car for journeys into the city centre.