A group working to promote public transport in the Aire Valley wants more publicity at railway stations for new easy-access buses introduced by First Bradford and Keighley & District Travel.

Ray Wilkes, spokesman for the Aire Valley Rail Users Group, said: "In the past, buses were not as comfortable as trains. Unfortunately they're still perceived as a second-class form of travel by many planners and rail users.

"This is emphatically not the case any more. For local journeys, the newest buses provide a comparable level of comfort to new trains and also provide disabled access.

"The main purpose of our group is to promote railways in the Aire Valley. However, buses reach parts of the community that railways don't, and buses can provide a convenient link to the station without creating additional parking problems."

The group would like to see bus route maps and timetables displayed on railway station platforms.

"Many people who arrive by car have difficulty parking, but are not aware of the possibility of using the bus," said Mr Wilkes.

"We believe that Metro could improve the publicity for the existing links and we will be pressing them to properly publicise what is available."

He pointed out that Bingley, Crossflatts and Keighley stations are served by the Airedale Shuttle service.

"Bingley station also has improved bus links to Eldwick, Harden, Wilsden and Cullingworth," he said.

"Shipley has an extensive bus network and Cottingley buses come quite close to Saltaire station."