READING Stephen Lewis's article about the FTR (It's The ftr Of City Travel, April 24) raised as many concerns as it settled.

I never use the Number Four service and, in all likelihood, will never have reason to do so. But it might spread to other routes, which worries me.

I had to laugh when I saw the service was being reduced from every eight minutes to every ten to 15 minutes (read into that bit of vagueness what you will). This, especially coupled with projected increased usage, is exactly what will put people back in their cars.

The FTR did look luxurious. Its website states it will hold 47 standing passengers and just over 50 seated. However, there didn't look to be a lot for standing passengers to grab hold of. I for one would probably spend most of my time lying on the floor once the vehicle started moving.

It is really the pre-payment aspect that I take the greatest issue with, as it is potentially putting fares up via the back door. This aspect will presumably be forced on all of us, FTR users or not. First says I can use my mobile phone as a ticket. Really? Can my ancient (nearly three years old) Nokia really handle this - or am I expected to have a flashy 3G phone with built-in camera and internet Wi-Fi access?

Maybe I could use the internet instead? Either way, I would guess that the tickets will have to be paid for by credit card.

Judging by the number of maxed-out credit cards around I'd say First's buses are going to be fairly empty (or probably full of fare dodgers). I think the FTR will only further dehumanise public transport. It will remove First's biggest asset - the drivers.

Richard Greaves,

Morehall Close,

York.

Updated: 09:50 Thursday, April 27, 2006