THE drive for improvements to public transport in the district took another major step forward this week with work starting on 94 new bus stops across the district.

The new improved bus stops plus bus priority traffic lights, an order banning drivers parking at bus stops and Stagecoach's new £2m fleet of low-liner vehicles are seen as vital to improving the public transport infrastructure.

The low-liner buses are now running on designated 'Quality Routes' providing a frequent service operating between Heysham and Lancaster University via the Promenade, Bare, Torrisholme and Lancaster City Centre.

Low-floored vehicles make travelling easier for those in wheelchairs and parents with prams and, in order to ensure buses on the Quality Routes can gain access to bus stops at all times, it will become a statutory offence to stop in a stop when the markings are in place.

The same technology that has helped buses gain priority at traffic lights in Preston and Hyndburn will soon be fully installed on the route in Lancaster.

The system works by sensing when a bus is still some distance from the lights so the sequence can be altered in favour of the bus. Although this improves bus journey times motorists will not notice any difference. Other bus priority measures are being planned to ensure the service operates more reliably.

Commenting Cllr David Barker, the Cabinet member with responsibility for Community Services said: "The Quality Bus service will complement the new bus station and take bus travel into a new era. Together with County Council we have looked at the whole infrastructure on this route and made several major changes. A similar scheme in Preston has increased passenger numbers and reduced journey times so we're looking forward to similar results in Lancaster."