A YORKSHIRE MP last night described the new Regional Minister as "outrageous and patronising" after she called for money to be spent on small-scale transport improvements rather than grand projects.

RESEARCH shows the vast majority of elderly and disabled bus passengers in the North East are eagerly awaiting delivery of their free travel passes. The Department of Transport said 92% of people it asked in the region are looking forward to the new passes which provide free off- peak bus travel.

ELDERLY people are looking forward to receiving their new free bus passes, according to new research. Figures reveal that 91% of people living in Newcastle who are entitled to the free national bus pass are eagerly awaiting its introduction on April 1 this year.

THERE is, at last, some good news for this region's long- suffering motorists and rail travellers. At least they know where to send their complaints.

TRANSPORT minister Rosie Winterton has praised a North-East bus partnership. Gateshead Council, Nexus and Go North East are working together to ensure all services in the borough have accessible, lowfloor vehicles with on-board CCTV.