THE head of one of the region's leading transport operators has joined calls for a directly-elected assembly for the North-East.

Mike Parker, director general of Nexus, said he welcomes proposals for an assembly as contributing to a better and more strategic approach to public transport in the region.

Mr Parker, who will speak at a debate in Newcastle today on the future of transport and strategic planning in the region, said in a report to the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority that, in the event of a Yes vote on November 4, the authority should "lobby government for an increase in transport powers from the resultant Bill"