Bus operator, Go North East, is to suggest offering free bus passes to drivers in exchange for their old car, at a transport conference next month.

Martin Harris, commercial director for Gateshead-based Go North East, said the idea of offering motorists a free one-to-three year travel pass in exchange for their old cars had potential and was being explored by the bus operator.

Cars could be sold on for scrap metal as a way of financing the free travel and Harris is keen to stress the most ‘environmentally-sound’ method of disposal will be sought.

Representatives from 22 bus operators, including Arriva and Stagecoach, have been invited to the seminar in Birmingham, where they are being asked to bring a concrete idea on the future of public transport and how to keep passenger numbers rising. Those who do not bring an idea will be charged for attending.

Harris said: ‘We want people to think creatively and bring ideas to put into the melting pot.

‘It is an exciting time at present, as rising fuel prices are leading some motorists to leave their cars at home and more could be encouraged to do this, especially when they see how much public transport has improved.’

The possibility of a ‘one-pass-fits-all’ system, similar to Transport for London’s Oyster smartcard, is currently being developed by Go North East, and will also be discussed at the seminar.