A NEW service launched on Friday should make it easier for people to find out how to get around Lancashire by public transport.

Lancashire County Council has developed a new phone line to give easy access to public transport information.

The new system, which replaces the current 13 separate numbers for Lancashire County Information Centres, is the first of its kind in the country.

But a partnership is being developed with Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cumbria, which will see the system spread across the North West.

The new phone line, 0870 608 2 608, aims to be a one-stop shop for people needing information on any kind of public transport.

The system automatically detects where people are calling from and puts them through to their nearest County Information Centre, or one which is not busy, to ensure callers get the best possible service.

It will be available during office hours and on Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Calls are charged at standard BT rates.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "This new Lancashire system will eventually form a key role in the national system for the UK.

"All modes of transport will be catered for with this new service, which backs the Government's own aims to produce one national line before 2000."

The service will be launched on Friday in Preston by Lord Whitty, from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and Councillor Richard Toon, chairman of Lancashire County Council's transport committee.

The launch is taking place at the start of National Green Transport Week, which aims to raise awareness of the benefits of using more environmentally-friendly forms of transport.

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