Additional £3m funding to enhance bus services

A GOVERNMENT minister has hailed an "incredibly exciting time for buses" as public transport in the North East experienced a significant boost this month.

- OLIVIA SHEED

First, the Mayor's Fares were introduced on the Tyne and Wear Metro, and now additional funding has been allocated to bus services.

Millions of bus passengers across England are benefiting from cheaper fares, new routes and improved services as local authorities utilise government funding in their communities.

It comes as the Government commits an additional £3m to enhance bus services, enabling six mayoral authorities - including the North East - to implement bus franchising.