First have now announced that the new 4/5 route will be operated by single deck vehicles. (route details see http://dringhousesandwoodthorpeward.mycouncillor.org.uk/2012/09/13/first-announce-new-bus-routes/)

In itself that is not a problem and might marginally reduce the time spent at bus stops (the driver would not have to wait until passengers climb the stairs as sometimes happens in a double decker).

But the single deck vehicles on the number 5 service (necessary because of low bridges on the route) are getting on in years, while the 6 year old double deckers on the 4 route were hailed at their launch in January as “a modern fleet of easily accessible double-decker buses, with lower carbon emissions than the ftr’s that they replaced”.

The Press newspaper, which had fuelled the anti ftr campaign, described them in an editorial as “a modern fleet of low-carbon, accessible double-deckers” and said “sounds just the thing to us”.

Experience demonstrated that the B9 Volvo double deckers, with a passenger capacity of 90 compared to the ftrs 100, had their own problems with long delays at bus stops, a lack of space for wheelchair users and those with buggies, complaints about inadequate air conditioning and a lack of journey information.

They are now being moved onto the number 1 Chapelfields service.

Passengers had hoped that the new 4/5 service would use a fleet of modern low emission buses, with improved capacity, easier access and adequate space for all users.

Sadly, with relations between bus companies and the York Council at record low ebb, it appears that some of the replacement single deckers could be as much as 10 years old, with outdated passenger facilities (and inevitable reliability issues).

Not good enough for what is one of the busiest bus services in the region.

First and the York Council need to make a clear commitment to get together and restart the bus modernisation programme in the City. A major Council report on the bus service is promised for discussion on Thursday 27th September.

Hopefully it will pave the way for a more open and co-operative approach putting passenger needs back at the heart of public transport policy in the City.