StreetCar of desire

Proposals for a bus-tram hybrid vehicle are attracting strong interest from local authorities across the country, according to rail and bus operator FirstGroup. The StreetCar (above), first proposed by FirstGroup two months ago, is seen as a less expensive alternative to tram systems and has already attracted enquiries from York, Sheffield, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bath, Bristol and Swansea, the company reported. A spokesman for FirstGroup said: "We believe the StreetCar will be much more effective than buses in persuading car users onto public transport and will enable local authorities to provide a high quality service to those areas not served by good transport links."