TAXIS and private hire vehicles are to be given greater priority in a town's public transport system.
Gateshead Borough Council has given taxis and some private hire vehicles the go-ahead to use most of the town centre's bus lanes.
The aim is to help taxis move around the town centre more quickly, which it is hoped will reduce journey times and fares for passengers.
In future, all taxis and private hire vehicles displaying signs on their roofs will be allowed to use bus lanes throughout Gateshead, except those on Jackson Street and Prince Consort Road.
Councillor Dave Bollands, cabinet member with responsibility for transport, said: "I am delighted that taxis and private hire vehicles are benefiting from the improvements we are making in the town centre.
"Taxis play an important role in helping to provide a flexible public transport system.
"These changes will mean real improvements both the operators and passengers."
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