BUS passengers are being promised better travel with the launch of a network of upgraded routes.

Superoutes is a partnership between operators Arriva Northumbria/North East, Go Ahead, and Stagecoach Busways, Tyne and Wear borough councils and transport executive Nexus.

Superoutes offers frequent services, low floor buses, quicker journeys on bus priority lanes, well-maintained shelters, and timetable information at each stop. Nexus and the councils view the introduction of Superoutes as an important milestone.

Nexus development director Bernard Garner said: "If we're going to attract people from their cars on to public transport, then we've got to provide a quality alternative. "Superoutes will ensure that people can use buses in the knowledge that their journeys will be safe, comfortable and reliable."

The Superoutes, beginning this week, are:

* 21A Newcastle - Houghton-le-Spring;

* 35 South Shields - South Hetton;

* 42/43 Newcastle - Cramlington;

* 51/52 Gateshead - Wrekenton/Felling;

* 53/54 Gateshead - Saltwell Park;

* 56 Gateshead - Springwell; Gateshead - Heworth;

* X66 Gateshead - MetroCentre;

* X87/88 Newcastle - Newbiggin Hall;

* 97/98 Newcastle - Whickham;

* 126 Sunderland - Pennywell;

* 127 Sunderland - Silksworth;

* 128 Heworth - Easington Lane;

* 129 Sunderland - Durham;

* 130 Gateshead - Whitley Bay;

* 325/326 North Shields - Whitley Bay;

* 723/724 Newcastle - Chester-le-Street.

For more information visit www.superoute.com