HAVING earlier thrown up the intriguing prospect of a rail-tram network in East Lancashire, consultants for the region's councils looking at public transport improvements have now, it seems, gone for a cheaper, second-best proposal - that of better rail travel backed up by trolley-buses.

But while such buses have the advantage of being clean and quiet and do not need expense and intrusive track, they do not offer the prospect of single-journey travel that can a rail-tram system, like that of Greater Manchester's Metrolink.

Nonetheless - though it seems ever so slowly - the goal of improved integrated public transport is being pursued for our region.

And only when it is achieved by providing cheap, frequent, clean, convenient and reliable services may motorists be tempted to ride - and we are many trolley-bus rides still from that destination.

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