"TALKING" bus stops that tell passengers what services are on the way and when they would arrive were among the high-tech options the provisional transport plan would explore.

The seminar heard how each bus stop "spoke" through a text number that was specific to its location.

Passengers keyed in that number to access the information on services.

Talking bus stops would, the seminar heard, probably be piloted in Hereford, where the plan recognises a real need to improve the image and availability of public transport.

The council's transport team is also looking to use technology to "speed" buses through Hereford's traffic system by linking traffic lights to priority lanes.

Computers could also feed display boards set up on city roads to tell drivers of delays, diversions and available parking spaces.

Councillor Barry Ashton said that many sets of traffic lights could be replaced by "mini" traffic islands to ease the flow.

Stephen Oates, head of highways and transportation, told him that traffic lights provided for all road users not just motorists. But the possibility of "part-time" signals had not been ruled out.

Councillor Glenda Powell said that better public transport in Hereford depended on a "competent" commercial bus service, something the city did not have.