Transport Minister John Spellar will launch Bradford's new guided bus scheme, almost 120 years to the day since public transport was introduced in the city.

The guided bus lane system in Manchester Road is a far cry for the horse drawn trams which appeared in Bradford on February 2, 1882.

The new guideway will enable buses to avoid traffic hold-ups and cut journey times by separating them from other road users.

The scheme is part of the £12million, 3.7 kilometre Manchester Road Quality Bus Initiative, developed by Bradford Council, First Bus and Metro, the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive.

Mr Spellar will be given a ride on the 2.3km guideway next Wednesday, and it will come into service the following day.

Its opening coincides with another major public transport anniversary in Bradford - it will be 100 years on February 1 since electric trams were introduced on Manchester Road.

Bradford is only the third city in Britain to have guided buses and the first in the world to provide innovative shelters featuring artwork. Six shelters, including two unique, landmark Super Shelters, have been designed by architects and are a project in Bradford's bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2008.

The two Super Shelters are three times bigger than normal with wind turbines, supported on 12-metre high masts, which will generate heat for the seating.

As well as the guideway, work on the Quality Bus Initiative, which started 14 months ago, has included 11 new pedestrian crossings, new footpaths, seats, and major landscaping, including the planting of thousands of bulbs and shrubs and scores of trees.

The scheme is linked to the £20 million South Bradford Integrated Transport scheme.

It includes improvements to roads around Odsal and to Manchester Road at Mayo Avenue. There will also be park and ride facilities at Odsal with bus links to Manchester Road.

Councillor Margaret Eaton, leader of Bradford Council, said: "The Manchester Road Quality Bus Initiative is an excellent example of the way the Council is working to provide the modern transport infrastructure needed for the district's economic development and prosperity."