A FORUM has been set up to encourage people to use buses in the North-East.

The North-East Regional Bus Forum will meet to discuss ways of improving services and increasing bus use.

It has been launched by the Government Office for the North-East (Gone) and includes representatives of bus operators, local authorities and transport groups.

The aim is to reach a Government target to increase bus use by 12 per cent by 2010.

Gone director Jonathan Blackie said: "The bus plays an essential role in the Government's strategy to relieve congestion, and it is therefore vital that we encourage more people to make bus journeys rather than using the car.

"To achieve that, we need to make buses more accessible, reliable and economical to use to tempt people out of their cars. By bringing together all of those people with an interest in buses in the region, we feel the Regional Bus Forum will be able to make progress on these key issues."

Paul Matthews, the managing director of bus operator Go North East, said: "The bus plays a vital role in contributing to the economic development and prosperity of the North-East.

"We are delighted with this important Government Office initiative, which will bring together all those who can make a difference to bus travel."