"The council has worked closely with
local bus operators to ensure we offer our children the best possible standards of safety and efficiency and we look forward to the measures being introduced later this year."
In Stockton, the council has agreed to pay
local bus operators more than pounds 3m for free travel in 2008/09.
"We are very pleased with the success of our discussions with bus companies and would like to acknowledge the tremendous co-operation from our
local bus operators that has made this scheme possible."
``That scheme, which has already proved to be tremendously popular, will be extended today when all men aged 60 and over can travel free on
local bus services.''
Cllr Michna said some of the issues the group could consider included improving bus stops, better information about
local bus services, improved facilities at Middlesbrough Bus Station and financial support for bus services.
Since then, we have done even better than we promised by giving disabled people the right to free
local bus travel.