Cheshire East Council has joined forces with local bus operators to boost bus travel by launching a new 'Silk Town Ticket'.

For just £12 a week it allows unlimited bus travel within a trial zone covering Macclesfield and the surrounding areas.

The Silk Town Ticket is a multi-operator weekly bus ticket that allows passengers to travel on bus services provided by four different operators within the trial area. The participating operators are D&G Bus, High Peak, Aimee's Travel and Belle Vue.

The trial scheme starts on Monday 2 September and, if it proves a success, multiple-operator tickets could be rolled out to other areas of Cheshire East.

The new Cheshire East Bus Partnership scheme is a collaboration between the council and local bus operators which aims to encourage more bus travel across the borough.

Councillor Mark Goldsmith, chair of Cheshire East Council's highways and transport committee, said: "The Silk Town Ticket provides exceptional value for money to travel across Macclesfield and the surrounding areas. With one convenient weekly ticket you can now hop on buses from multiple operators – without the hassle and extra costs of buying additional tickets."

The key benefits of the Silk Town Tickets are:

● Weekly adult ticket costs only £12 – with unlimited travel for a week;

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● Use across multiple operators (D&G Bus, High Peak, Aimee's Travel and Belle Vue);

● Paper ticket. Simply purchase on any participating bus service; and

● Wide coverage. It is applicable within the greater Macclesfield area.

Cllr Goldsmith added: "This really is an exciting scheme which cuts down the hassle of needing to buy several tickets, saves you money, gives greater flexibility and freedom to travel and is good for the planet.

"Travelling by bus reduces your carbon footprint, helps limit the impact on air quality and is good for your pocket too." 

Macclesfield Bus Station is located on Waters Green.

David Brookes, managing director, D&G and High Peak Buses, said: "This is great news for bus users in the Macclesfield area. We have advocated for a multi-operator ticket for some time, so its pleasing to see it come to fruition.

"We're starting to see green shoots of passenger growth in the Macclesfield area following a period of stagnation and this ticket, which provides excellent value, should encourage more people to use public transport."

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The Silk Town Ticket is valid for seven days from the date of purchase. No refunds or replacements for lost tickets will be provided and the ticket cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. 

The trial is supported by the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding received by Cheshire East Council from the Department for Transport, to contribute towards increased bus service provision and patronage growth within the borough.

Macclesfield: For more information, visit this link.