BUS users and operators in the Dales have joined together in an informal network in a bid to improve services.

Among the main aims of the partnership are to increase bus usage and encourage businesses to get actively involved in getting improvements to transport services, including trains.

At a meeting in Grassington arranged by campaigning group the Friends of DalesBus and Upper Wharfedale operator Pride of the Dales, it was agreed to press for 'kick-start' Government cash investment to eventually help services become self-sustaining as part of a reliable public transport network.

The managing director of the Grassington-based bus company Pride of the Dales, Mark Stewart-Clarke, said that it was time to persuade politicians, especially with an election approaching, that the Dales needed a good public transport system.

He said: "The first thing I said at the meeting was this is a 'doing' meeting, not a 'waffle' meeting. Fiddling with the Dales transport system won't work. That's been going on too long. We need a clean sheet to start again.

"Communities want good, reliable public transport to meet the needs of residents and visitors alike.

"It’s time to get decision makers and regional funders to understand the enormous contribution local transport services make to the economy of the Dales, and well-being of Dales communities and their visitors."

The new partnership is helping to to set up six local transport action groups (TAGs) in the Dales and meetings have been organised for anyone interested in helping to support transport services.

The Southern Dales group, which takes in Airedale, Malhamdale and Ribblesdale, will meet at 2pm in The Royal Oak, Settle, on Wednesday, and the Upper Wharfedale group will meet in the Town Hall, Grassington, on Saturday, March 7, at 10am.

Friends of DalesBus vice-chairman Colin Speakman said that it was vital for the Dales to get good transport services to boost the area's economy, and this meant public investment.

He added: " Other routes must be maintained for their vital social and economic benefit. The huge success of the Sunday DalesBus network, which in 2014/5 enjoyed a record year, proves there is a growing market for integrated public transport in the Dales.

"If the Yorkshire Dales is to become an international tourist destination, it needs quality bus services for visitors as well as residents."

For further details or to offer help contact dalesbususers@btinternet.com or msc@prideofthedales.co.uk