IN response to several letters regarding the new First group streetcar "FTR" project, I agree that these vehicles will not be suited to Turquoise Line 4.

They are too large to go round Acomb, particularly in Acomb centre, and would not be suited to several parts of the route because they would need off-bus ticket machines.

This would not be popular and would cause delays, and could be magnets for vandalism. The driver is meant to be at the centre at the front of the vehicle having no contact with passengers.

They would be better on Park & Ride services. These are generally focused on straight roads and could easily cater for larger articulated vehicles, as currently proven.

Off-bus ticket machines would also work better on Park & Ride because there are supervisors to help out with them at the sites.

This would also be cheaper because there are usually fewer stops on Park & Ride routes which would need supplying with these machines compared to city services.

These new vehicles apparently have the same engines and chassis as the current artics in York, so will they really be that fancy anyway?

The body may look swish enough but one wonders just how they really will look and how they will perform on whatever services they end up on, Park & Ride being the best option.

Alistair Timmis,

Gale Lane,

Acomb,

York.

Updated: 11:26 Monday, January 31, 2005