A HI-TECH information system showing bus passengers how long they can expect to wait for a service went up and running in York today.

The £900,000 Bus Location and Information Sub System uses computers on buses to forward information to displays at bus stops which will let passengers know where the vehicle is and how long they will be waiting.

It has been set up as a pilot scheme on the Rawcliffe Bar Park & Ride service, and is expected to be extended citywide to include all services over the next two years.

The system uses state-of-the-art satellite technology to beam information from vehicles to displays at bus stops.

They will tell passengers how long they will have to wait before the bus arrives.

City of York Council's transport spokeswoman Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing said: "This will end the uncertainty and frustration of waiting for the next bus.

"Within a matter of months now we will see many bus passengers enjoying much quicker journey times, better reliability and up-to-date information due to our investment in new technology."

Peter Edwards, commercial manager of York's main bus operator, First, said: "This is a part of the jigsaw that will form a picture of a bus service to rival the advantages of the private car."

The new system is designed to make public transport a more attractive alternative to private cars.

It is part of the council's five-year £50 million local transport plan, which aims to discourage car use and introduce viable alternatives.

The Rawcliffe Bar scheme will be extended first to the Grimston Bar Park & Ride and the No10 service from Poppleton to Stamford Bridge, before being widened to other services.

Coun Simpson-Laing said: "An improved bus service is vital to the council's plans to reduce traffic congestion in York."

Updated: 15:21 Wednesday, March 19, 2003