BUS passengers will benefit from more reliable journeys and modern bus shelters when £500,000 is invested on a busy route between Bacup and Accrington.

State-of-the-art buses travelling along the route have been fitted with transponders which will trigger traffic lights to minimise bus delays.

The move follows a similar scheme launched in Burnley last year to help make public transport more appealing.

The cash, provided by Lancashire County Council, will also go towards providing 98 new cleaner and well-lit bus shelters that are to be provided on the main route linking east and west Rossendale and beyond.

Transport bosses hope to encourage more people to use public transport to help reduce congestion on the roads and make travelling for commuters and shoppers more comfortable, reliable and safe.

The Rossendale Transport route passes through Baxenden, Haslingden, Rawtenstall, Waterfoot, Stacksteads and Bacup.

County Councillor Jean Yates, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "We know we have to make bus journeys more reliable if people are to leave their cars at home.

"Electronic loops under the road will detect transponders that are to be fitted to each bus - and turn traffic lights to green so that buses minimise delays.

"Most stops will be given new shelters, complete with lighting, timetables and fare details. We will do whatever we can to make bus travel easier and more attractive.

"Bus drivers will also be trained in customer care so passengers see a helpful, friendly face. Rossendale will be the seventh Quality Bus Route in Lancashire when work starts in June."

Coun Yates added: "Another requirement is that the transport operators provide new or nearly new buses - which this route already has.

"Buses on the route have already seen massive investment and have low-floor easy access for the disabled, the elderly and for parents with prams."

Bus stops will also be raised to six inches above the road surface to make it easier to get on and off buses.

Work is expected to be completed by October.