A RAPID transit system linking Darlington to other Tees Valley towns could be operational by 2010.

Experts are looking at three rapid transit options to find the best one which would link towns to existing and potential employment, education establishments and health and leisure facilities.

In May, one system will be adopted and an outline business case made to the Government to fund its construction.

The options follow a study commissioned 18 months ago by One North-East, English Partnerships and the Tees Valley local authorities.

Consultants GHK recommended a rapid transit system be installed to solve problems with social exclusion, to improve the environment and boost economic regeneration across the Tees Valley.

Those being considered include a metro system similar to the one operating in Tyne and Wear, a tramway running from Darlington to Stockton and a guided bus which runs on both roads and specially adapted tracks.

Work is now under way to whittle the three options down to one.

Andy Hyams, head of transportation at the Tees Valley Joint Strategy Unit, told Darlington Transport Forum the jury was still out.

"Consultants are currently refining all the proposals to whittle the options down to one," he said. "That one will be the system which most encourages car users to leave their vehicles behind and gives the lowest running costs.

"A metro would use existing rail lines between Darlington and Saltburn, Saltburn to Hartlepool and Hartlepool to Teesside but it would not service Morton Park in Darlington, Teesside Park in Stockton or Teesside Airport.

"The cheapest would be the guided bus, but we want something that can be identified with the Tees Valley and attract investment. Experience shows it is easier to get people out of their cars and on to trains and trams than on to a humble bus.

"The third option of a tramway between Darlington and Stockton running through major developments would be the most expensive because we would be starting from scratch.

"But it will attract more passengers and be cost effective."

The study also recommends constructing a Tees tunnel taking traffic from the A66 at South Bank to the A178 at Seal Sands.

But there is at least seven years to go before any major scheme is operational, and short- and medium-term measures have also been proposed.

Mr Hyams added: "We are looking at improvements to Darlington station so that Darlington to Teesside trains are not delayed by East Coast main line services together with the re-opening of the Stockton-Stillington-Ferryhill freight line to passengers.

"This will reduce Middlesbrough to Newcastle journey times to under an hour."

A new bus linking Darlington railway station to Teesside Airport is also under consideration.