THE centre-piece of the 258-page Transport Bill detailed by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, is 'better public transport' which will offer, 'more choice for motorists and everyone else'. Prescott said: 'Our Bill contains radical measures designed to deliver safe, modern and high quality transport this country needs and deserves. It is the most comprehensive piece of transport legislation for 30 years.

'Local authorities will be given the tools necessary to develop quality public transport in their areas and to tackle road congestion and pollution. The Bill will enable local councils and bus operators to deliver more through-ticketing, higher quality buses, more frequent services and better information. We cannot solve all our transport problems overnight, but we have already made good headway. We have levered an increased investment and the measures contained in the Bill pave the way for a better transport system for everyone.'

It is not expected that charges will be introduced 'for at least four or five years' except in London where the soon-to-be-elected London Mayor and the capital's boroughs have already been given the powers in the Greater London Authority Act 1999 to introduce charges - possibly as soon as 2003 depending on the outcome of the election.