The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced funding for four new Better Bus Areas (BBAs) - which will improve local services.

It announced a total of £16.5 million will be spread across the four successful bids. Nottingham City Council will receive £11.3 million, Merseytravel will get £2.7 million and both York City Council and West of England Partnership are to be given £1.3 million each. The funds will be spread out until 2017.

Local transport minister Baroness Kramer said: "Local bus services are the backbone of our transport system, providing a vital lifeline for communities. The Better Bus Area funding will help drive economic recovery in these areas by supporting effective bus networks."

Sheffield was the first city to receive BBA backing - gaining £18.5 million - bringing the total investments to £35 million.

BBAs also include a Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) - which allows local services to part of their fuel costs. Under the BBA scheme, local authorities will receive a top-up equal to 20 per cent of the BSOG claimed.