"Smart" bus shelters where passengers can use electronic terminals to plan their journeys could be on their way to York.

The proposals are among a package of measures city transport chiefs are considering to lure people out of their cars and back on to buses.

Over the next ten months the council could spend up to £60,000 to improve information about public transport in the York area - and make it easier to travel by bus and rail.

Since last August the council has already developed an electronic information system, where details of bus services can be accessed 24-hours a day from tourist information terminals at the railway station, the De Grey Rooms, Parliament Street, Museum Street, Library Square, Monkgate and Acomb.

The new proposals include:

Setting up a computer database of public transport information to act as a "journey planner" to help travellers plan local and national journeys - and linking the existing on-street terminals to this

"Smart" bus shelters in key areas of the city which could also access the journey planner computer database

An upgraded telephone information service

A bus service information desk at York Railway Station

Printed bus timetables delivered to homes throughout the city and also available in shops, libraries and council offices.

Dave Pearson, the city council's transport procurement officer, says in a report to the planning and transport committee which meets on Thursday that bus information will not be restricted to City of York-run services only.

He said: "The information system will extend beyond the boundaries of the council to at least cover services from York to Easingwold, Malton, Stamford Bridge, Pocklington, Selby, Tadcaster and Harrogate.

"Discussions with officers in North Yorkshire County Council and East Riding Council have been held with a view to collaboration to include further rural services.

"The database and telephone inquiry service has the potential for expansion to include a large area of North Yorkshire." Councillors who meet on Thursday are expected to approve £40,000 to be spent on the project by the end of March, and a further £20,000 by the end of October.

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