A £500,000 government grant is to be invested in easing congestion on city streets.

The Department for Local Government and the Regions has released the cash to help cover the cost of a system pioneered by the City of York Council, which will provide electronic "real time" information on the public transport network, at bus stops and on buses.

Combined with Bliss technology, which allows buses to jump queues at traffic bottlenecks, it is hoped the high-tech equipment will encourage more drivers to leave their cars at home as they will be able to rely on a fast, frequent and efficient alternative.

A total of 18 bus stops on main routes through York will be equipped with the system by the end of next year.

As well as being able to read on-board messages and listen to announcements, passengers will also be able to access data on the current state of the bus network via their mobile phones or the Internet.

"I am absolutely delighted," said the city council's transport spokesman, David Merrett.

"The council is committed to using the latest technology to get buses through traffic and to help give bus users quicker, more up-to-date information to help them plan their journeys.

"This money will be used as part of our drive to ensure buses can beat congestion and improve time-tabling reliability."