Bus use is at its highest level since 1969 in London

Journeys rose by 110m last year and passenger numbers are up 5% since 1999, says the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).

The fastest-growing route was the 481 Stafford to Telford service, used by 68% more passengers last year.

The most growth was in London, where mayor Ken Livingstone has spent millions adding new buses and routes.

But the CPT says that some of the fastest-growing routes are in Nottingham, Hull, Manchester and Oxford while Glasgow has one of the fastest-growing networks.

Corner turned

CPT spokesman Stephen Heard told BBC News Online said the situation in London was skewed because of the huge investment in buses, parking difficulties and the rigorous policing of bus lanes.

He added: "There are some very encouraging signs of growth outside London.

"Because car use is increasing so much, to remain static means in fact the bus industry is making up ground because it ought to be continuing to decline sharply, but it's not. It looks as if it's turning a corner"

Many cities say they want the power to regulate buses, as Mr Livingstone has done.

But the bus firms say shortages of services in some areas down to local authorities' failure to spend on bus priority measures.

The CPT says the most popular areas are those where councils and firms work together and measures such as bus lanes and parking restrictions are introduced.