EXTRA cash could be pumped into vital bus links for remote communities.

The Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority (PTA) is planning to add £400,000 to its bus budget for secured bus services - services which commercial operators have stopped running but which the PTA considers necessary for social needs.

On the Metro, there will be more money for cleaning, safety and security.

The plans will be discussed at a meeting of the PTA today, in Newcastle Civic Centre.