A REVOLUTIONARY new 'metro' bus network which should be introduced across the city next May was today unveiled by First York buses.

A route map, similar to the London Underground map, is published exclusively in the Evening Press today to give an at-a-glance guide to which bus you will need to take in future.

The proposals are for eight core 'metro' routes into the city centre from the suburbs, with buses running every ten minutes, and a network of less frequent 'easylink' routes connecting to residential areas and housing estates.

One of these will be a 'Circle Line' connecting the suburbs around York.

A massive consultation on the new routes begins this week. Leaflets will be delivered to every home in the city on Thursday inviting comments, and a programme of roadshows begins on in Exhibition Square on Wednesday.

Over the next week the roadshow will visit Clifton library, Asda at Monks Cross, Haxby, Bishopthorpe, Acomb, St Sampson's Square, Copmanthorpe and the Park and Rides at Askham Bar and Rawcliffe Bar. The consultation will help First York bosses finalise route details. First York managing director Brian Asquith said today the aim of the new-look bus network was to get people back on to the buses.

"We have felt for some time that the network has been confusing, not only for passengers but for our own staff as well," he admitted.

"We've come to a stage where we've really got to do something. The idea is to make it simpler and easier to understand, so that we can attract more people."

Caroline Cahm, chairman of the National Federation of Bus Users, who was in York today for the launch of the consultation, said it was vital every single bus user in the city made their views known.

"It is absolutely essential," she said. "You cannot expect the buses to be what you want unless you do give your own views on the proposals First York are making."