Trams featured in transport plan

Trams and a "super efficient" bus network are among the ideas being considered as part of a transport blueprint for Swindon.

The 20-year plan, drawn-up by the borough council, anticipates the town's population growing by a third.

It says a tram system would be a preferred option but new lanes that allow buses to bypass busy road junctions would appear more realistic.

Money would also be spent improving park-and-ride sites around the town.

Funding uncertain

In addition improvements to footpaths, cycle paths and road junctions would be made.

The council said it was still early days for the plans and that it was not clear whether the council would be successful in winning government funding for the project.

Paul Jenkins from bus company Thamesdown Transport said in places like central London you would not think of using your car.

"Public transport is so easily available and provides so many links. If you have the right system and transport in place then people will use those new alternative systems."