Hundreds of people have told Bradford Transport chiefs that their buses are just the ticket.

And large numbers of passengers are shunning out of town shopping centres to hop on a bus bound for the town and city centres, according to a new survey.

First Bradford Traveller is interviewing 250 people a quarter to find out exactly what they think of their buses, as part of a nationwide study by First Group in all the towns and cities it operates.

In the past, the surveys have been collated as a national figure - but now the local results have been broken down for the first time.

The district survey showed 70 per cent of travellers were satisfied with their journeys. More than three quarters used the bus to go shopping, despite the car orientated out of town developments.

The research also showed:

*Twice as many women as men use the bus

*People of all ages used them

A fifth of those interviewed were aged 16-24, while a quarter were over 65.

The results come as the company ploughs millions of pounds into improvements. New Sovereign super buses are already operating on two routes and will be extended in the coming months.

The 46 vehicles have cost the company millions of pounds and travellers will be offered compensation if their journeys are late and it is the company's fault.

Today, past president of Bradford Chamber of Trade Mary Frame said: "These results are good news. But it is important the buses are reliable and the fares reasonable."

Deputy chairman of the Council's transportation, planning and design committee Councillor Jack Womersley said: "We have always known 50 per cent of people in Bradford do not have access to a car. The Council works with the companies to make sure the services are good."

Councillor Phil Thornton, chairman of the Council's highway sub-committee, said: "We will continue with a full programme of bus priority measures."

Gary Raven, managing director of First Bradford Traveller, said: "The survey encourages customers to tell us where we are doing well - and not so well.

"First Bradford fully support the Government's vision on creating an integrated transport system. The bus is a key part of that process. It is important that we get our services right if we are to retain and expand our customer base."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.