Bus services in Brighton and Hove have been singled out for praise in an otherwise damning report of the UK's public transport.

The report from environmental group Transport 2000 describes Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company as "innovative" and highlights good bus-priority measures as part of the key to its success.

Year-on-year, the report found bus use in the city has risen by five per cent, with an estimated 30 million journeys made annually.

Its bus services are a stark contrast to those found in most other parts of the UK, which are criticised as "poor or non-existent" with "high and rising fares".

The report commends Brighton and Hove's flat £1 fare and its use of a revolutionary satellite-based tracker system, which makes buses more reliable.

The system allows the main bus depot in Conway Street, Hove, to locate a bus anywhere in the city using a colour-coded electronic map, showing which buses are on time and which are running late.

It also enables late-running drivers to change traffic lights from red to green.

In the report, Transport 2000 director Stephen Joseph said: "There is a number of success stories around the country.

"Brighton has seen five per cent growth in bus use year-on-year as a result of good bus priority measures and an innovative bus company."

Despite the findings, Roger French, managing director of Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company, said there was still work to be done.

He said: "I am delighted that what is effectively the most powerful environmental lobby group in the country has recognised the good practice in Brighton and Hove.

"The key to our success is simplicity.

"We have made sure our most popular services are also our most frequent so passengers don't even have to check a timetable to see when their bus will arrive.

"Our £1 flat fare is also uncomplicated. But we are not complacent.

"Congestion in the city is a killer of good bus services and throughout the next year we will work closely with the city council to improve bus priority schemes.

"We are also working with train operators to ensure the city has a more integrated transport system."

Among the recommendations made in the report is a call for more bus lanes and Government funding.

Councillor Chris Morley, chairman of the council's environment committee, said: "We have a high-quality partnership with Brighton and Hove buses, which has resulted in year-on-year improvements and increased passenger numbers.

"Real time bus information signs at more than 50 stops are giving passengers confidence to leave the car at home and use public transport because they now know when to expect their bus."