MULTI-MILLION pound plans to improve bus services across the Tees Valley will come under the spotlight at a meeting tomorrow.

Representatives of the area’s local authorities, as well as major bus operators and the Tees Valley Joint Strategy Unit will be at the Tees Valley Bus Users’ Forum.

Members of the public are invited to get involved in shaping the future of bus transport across the area.

Those attending will hear details of progress on the development of the Tees Valley Bus Network Improvements scheme, which includes a wide range of initiatives designed to improve services and attract more people onto bus transport.

A key element of the scheme is the development of a network of core commercial routes providing a real alternative to private car use, together with support for socially-required services, such as those serving rural areas.

Other ideas include priority routes for quality low-floor, low-emission, buses, and improved facilities for passengers, including waiting areas, fare and ticketing schemes.

An £18.7m package has already been announced as part of the scheme to improve a number of routes in Stockton.

The changes, planned to be phased in over the next few years, form part of a wider £61.2m restructuring of services across the surrounding area, focused on a number of core bus routes.

A spokesman for the Tees Valley Bus Users; Forum said: "The meeting will be an update on the progress of the project and what sort of Government decisions have been made. I don’t think any decisions will be made."

The forum will also be given an update on the impact of the Government’s Local Transport Act, which paves the way for the area’s local authorities and major bus operators to come together to form a ‘Quality Partnership Scheme’ - the first of its kind in the country.

The meeting will take place at the Thistle Hotel, Fry Street, in Middlesbrough, from 6.30 to 8.00pm.

All bus users are welcome to come along to the meeting.