The new boss of Bradford's biggest bus company wants to extend the revolutionary state-of-the-art guided bus system and tackle the traffic bottleneck threatening to engulf Shipley when the Bingley bypass is completed.

Mick Herdman, pictured, managing director of the district's First bus company, takes over as increasing numbers of people leave their cars in favour of buses - a trend he wants to build on.

The 51-year-old father-of-three, who lives in Haworth, has already seen for himself what the 27,250,000 passengers encountered when they travelled on First Bradford buses last year.

He takes frequent journeys to Keighley or Hebden Bridge from his home and says services are good - but the company must build on its success.

Passenger numbers grew 1.34 per cent last year following the opening of the guided bus route on Manchester Road.

Increasing numbers of people are also using the overground system which is modelled on the London underground and is bringing thousands of people into the city each day.

The company has achieved Investors in People status and the new boss believes his 600 drivers should play a leading part in future plans.

"Each week we have 'cards on the table' sessions with staff when anything goes. Who knows better than the people out there what we ought to be doing. They know if the routes or stops are wrong and dealing with the nitty gritty makes life better for everyone."

Former managing director Andy Campbell has left to become north west divisional director for First, leaving behind an organisation which was shortlisted for the national bus company of the year last year.

His successor also aims high and wants to be best of the 24 First companies across Britain.

Mr Herdman said a drivers' dispute with the company over a pay scale which meant long-term staff earned more while newcomers complained they could not work up had ended.

"There is a progression scheme where there is a ladder and people know where they are going."

Mr Herdman added the company and Metro - the operating arm of the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority - were looking at better links into Bradford from Saltaire where the Bingley bypass will end when it is copmpleted.

Mr Herdman has had a long career in the bus industry. He was operations director for the then Bradford Traveller in 1996 and has been managing director for First in Huddersfield and Halifax.