TRANSPORT bosses in West Yorkshire want greater powers over buses.

Their call came after a group of MPs said the de-regulation of English bus services - introduced 20 years ago - has failed.

The all-party Commons transport committee said passenger levels continued to fall and current arrangements "cannot be made to work".

The MPs urged trials outside the capital of the system in London, where services are privatised but regulated.

West Yorkshire Metro, which oversees public transport, welcomed the findings.

A spokesman said: "We see this report as a chance to take the industry forward and increase bus use by developing services which meet passengers' needs.

"We are not seeking to take control of buses but simply the ability to specify reliable, punctual, integrated and affordable services and networks."