BUS passengers are hopeful of improvements to Worcestershire services after meeting transport chiefs and council staff.

No concrete solutions were developed at yesterday's summit at County Hall, but the county's Bus Users Group says it will attend regular meetings with bus firm First Midland Red to look at possible improvements.

These include creating more bus priority lanes such as the Lowesmoor route, which only allows buses during peak travel times.

They also involve attracting funding from a Government Urban Bus Challenge - a subsidy given to deprived inner city areas.

Worcester MP Mike Foster, who chaired the special meeting, said it showed "strong views" on the problems with the transport situation.

"In particular, we discussed the possibility of bringing down bus fares, what the obstacles were, and what our options could be in the near future," he said.

"We'll return in a couple of weeks once we've decided what those obstacles and options are."

Phil Tonks, of the Bus Users Group, said: "First Midland Red are fully aware of the strength of feeling in Worcestershire.

"It was an encouraging meeting, but the proof of the pudding will be in the eating."

Austin Birks, of First Midland Red, commented: "We should be reconvening with some constructive ideas."