BUS operator Stagecoach North-East is working in partnership with local authorities and transport operator Nexus to persuade motorists to dump the car.

It has adopted a Core Network initiative, which will see the bus operators and local authorities work together to create fast, reliable, quality bus services across the region.

The initiative would include bus priority measures to speed vehicles through traffic congestion, integrated ticketing with other forms of transport and services with a minimum frequency of 30 minutes.

The changes, which include the withdrawal of a small number of services, are initially for certain routes in the Newcastle city area.

Further changes to the bus network across the North-East will happen in the coming months as Stagecoach aims to modernise the network across the region.

Paul De Santis, commercial director for Stagecoach, said: "The long term strategy is to focus on and invest in those bus routes where there is real customer demand.

"We will support those routes very strongly so as to ensure they are reliable and meet customer expectations. We want to encourage people to travel by bus rather than the car."

The changes to service will apply from Sunday, July 29.

Customers can call Traveline on 0870 608 2608 for details.