The formal agreement to launch the service was signed on Wednesday

The vehicles, called street cars or ftrs, are a cross between a tram and a bus, with a familiar bendy section in the middle.

Each vehicle is fitted with satellite tracking technology so operator First can trace them at any given time.

Traffic lights can change when they sense late-running ftrs are near. The service starts on 8 May.

Residents on the number four route in Acomb, Dringhouses and Heslington will be the first to use the new vehicles.

'Exciting innovation'

Significant changes are now being made to several roads with sharp corners being smoothed to allow enough space for the ftrs to turn.

Customers will be able to obtain timetable information on their mobile phones and a new "Super Stop" at York Railway Station is also planned.

The formal agreement to launch the service was signed on Wednesday.

Bill Woolley, director of city strategy at City of York Council, said: "In York we already have one of the UK's best public transport networks.

"ftr is an exciting innovation that will help us to retain existing passengers and encourage people out of their cars.