The Scottish Executive is examining transport policy

The study was carried out by Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) ahead of the Scottish Executive's consultation on transport policy.

It found that only 26% of people thought transport should be planned on a national basis.

The issue that attracted the most attention was the quality of bus services, timetables and fares.

Across Scotland it is clear that public opinion is in favour of a regional approach to planning and delivering public transport Alistair Watson Chairman of SPT

A special meeting of SPT was being held on Thursday to agree a formal response to the executive's proposals for a new approach to transport in Scotland.

People in the north of Scotland showed the biggest support for local control, with 64% saying that transport should be planned regionally.

And 75% of all those surveyed thought there should be tighter control over bus networks.

Councillor Alistair Watson, chairman of SPT, said: "Across Scotland it is clear that public opinion is in favour of a regional approach to planning and delivering public transport.

"Like the executive we are keen to see better integration of transport, our response will help them do that by building on the strengths of SPT and ensuring it has the necessary powers and funding to deliver."