I do know that the council spent a lot of money on road improvements, which seems a big waste when it could have been spent on other things, such as improving frequencies, especially after 6-7pm.
The impression I got is that they got grants to spend on improving the road surface, many of the improvements are good for all road users, while some are good for any bus (e.g. the improved bus stops). I think they got a grant for trialing the service. I bet not a great deal of money was spent on the improvements that were specific to the ftr, ie. making turnings wider.
So I don't really have a problem with the money spent, but there is a big question mark over road damage. I have noticed that the roads that were deemed to be in good enough condition to not need improving have deteriorated in some areas, in places that are consistent with it being caused by the ftr. It is hard to describe but I could take photos if necessary (and if I can be bothered!) So I think there is a big question mark over sustainability.
There are also issues with the fuel they use; I've heard it's quite a lot, but I have not seen any figures. I can believe they are inefficient based on the fact you can really hear the buses in places where you couldn't before, and in other places much louder than before (or, indeed, at present after approx 7pm!)
There have been plenty of times when I have went to the stop at teh station to get back to campus and the bus is due in 20 minutes, but fails to turn up and I have to get the next one. When traffic is heavy (which seems like most of the day in York), especially around race days etc FTRs get held up in Acomb and along the Knavesmire. Blossom Street and Micklegate junction is also a bad place.
Yes, very little money was spent on improvements that would actually make the ftr to beat the traffic. Probably because these would be really expensive. Yes, buses are cheaper than trams, but a part of that is the signalling and dedicated parts of the route that make trams much faster. Without that for buses (no, I don't mean guided busways - I mean bus lanes and bus priority traffic lights) then there isn't the big advantages that trams have.
I also find it very stupid that it continues all the way along to Acomb, which is quite a distance, when it really should end either at the station or just after. However that is a different matter.
It does get busy at the Acomb end, but not in the evenings.
As Yorkie says, feel free to come and experience what we have to everyday.
I cycle along the bus route quite often, and I beat the bus every time, even uphill.
The only place they can't be beaten is along Tadcaster Road, however if you were racing the bus for most practical journeys you would not go along Tadcaster Road and take a shorter route (e.g. University to Acomb via Millenium Bridge, or Acomb to York station via Holgate Bridge), and would beat the zig-zagging ftr.
I would be happy to. I've never experienced problems with them, but that doesn't mean to say they don't happen.
Send us a PM when you're in York then
