THE wheels of Preston's Quality Bus initiative will be set in motion tomorrow (Friday) by County Councillor Richard Toon.

The first quality bus route is due to be unveiled at Preston's Flag Market, at a fun day, designed to highlight the County Council's alternative to car travel.

Visitors to the market between 9.30am and 3.30pm will be able to see the brand new buses and find out routes and timetables, as well as having the chance to win free rides on Preston Bus services.

Rock FM's Jaimie Thomas will launch 1,000 balloons at 11.30am and the balloon that travels furthest will win the sender two free Preston Bus Monthly Rambler tickets - and the person who finds the balloon will win a cash prize.

New bus shelters in distinctive Preston blue are in place along routes with improved seating and lighting.

Raised kerbs are another innovation, allowing wheelchair users and people with pushchairs better access to the buses.

And bays 33 and 35 at Preston Bus Station have been kitted out to accommodate the new low-floored vehicles, along with automatic doors, new seating and electronic timetable information.

County Councillor Richard Toon, highways chairman, said: "We have organised the fun day to herald the start of a public transport revolution in Lancashire that will bring more accessible, attractive and reliable services.

"The vision behind Quality Bus is one of innovation and investment, enhancing services for existing users and presenting an attractive alternative for those who currently use cars."

Coun Toon revealed that more routes would be announced across Lancashire in the coming months.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.