A multi-million pound initiative to create a river bus linking communities on Tyneside has been officially launched.

The idea to ferry commuters shoppers and tourists forms part of a project to improve public transport and revitalise life on the River Tyne, called Riverscape.

The ferry would stop at 18 landings between the mouth of the Tyne and Newburn.

The North East MEP, Mo O'Toole, said: "Every Tynesider has their own personal emotional tie to the river.

15-year plan

"It gives us one of the most instantly recognisable cityscapes in northern Europe.

"Let's build from that base, let's imagine a future for our riverscape."

Riverscape continues the work of the earlier Cityscape and Townscape studies carried out in Newcastle and Gateshead.

Its launch follows a consultation period in summer 2001, during which the public had the opportunity to view and comment on the plans.

But a fuller consultation process on improving public transport on Tyneside is likely to last until 2016.

Eventually an integrated public transport network is envisaged, providing a link for Metro trains and buses to travel to points along the Tyne which feature Riverscape developments.

The river bus will stop at Blaydon, King's Meadow Island, Newcastle Business Park, Dunston Staithes, Elswick, the Redheugh, Newcastle and Gateshead Quaysides, the Ouseburn, east Gateshead, St Peter's Basin, Bill Quay, Segedunum, Bede's World, the Royal Quays, Custom House, Dolphin Quay, and North and South Shields.

Partners in Riverscape include the Tyne and Wear Metro, Newcastle City Council, Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council, English Heritage, Northern Architecture, Port of Tyne and Railtrack.