IT is somewhat disappointing to read the recent comments about our ftr scheme made by Councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing as reported in The Press (ftr passenger swaps bus for Shanks' pony, January 19).

The ftr project is important as part of the commitment of First and City of York Council to reduce the number of cars coming into the city.

As we have made very clear on a number of occasions, ftr is a new scheme, the first of its kind anywhere in the UK.

We are well aware that, as with any new project, there have been problems that needed addressing and we have been monitoring the service to see what works, what doesn't and what needs changing. We have progressively taken on board the comments and suggestions made by our customers, the council and others who are keen to see the project succeed.

Following independent customer research and a recent meeting with the council, we decided that we would increase the number of customer service hosts, whose role includes selling tickets and thereby reducing boarding times.

The same research shows that our customers have seen an improvement in performance and they gave particularly high satisfaction ratings for their most recent journeys.

I hope, therefore, that the further changes we are making will encourage Coun Simpson-Laing to use the service and to support this important public transport initiative.

Richard Eames, Managing director, First, Tanner Row, York.

l I WOULD like to thank First Bus for finally implementing my call for conductors on the ftr (First unveils ftr changes, January 24). I made this call last summer due to the chaos of the ticketing system, concerns over safety, and boarding times, which are still leading to delays.

It is hoped that this will now mean that passengers can receive change, and use notes to pay, particularly if a family is travelling; and that families will be able to purchase family tickets.

However, I hope that First does plan to have conductors on all buses, from the start of service to the finish, otherwise a two-scheme system will only lead to further confusion and may possibly put more off using the vehicle.

If a two-scheme system is to be implemented, can I suggest that the suggestion of Mr B Cater (First things first, Letters, January 24) is taken up, that signs are placed at each stop along the route which clearly state when conductors will be on board and that at other times change will not be given, notes cannot be used and that the driver cannot be consulted.

As Mr Cater rightly points out, the situation must be confusing for visitors to York.

Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, Labour spokesperson for City Strategy, Salisbury Road, York.