Macclesfield residents are to be asked their views on plans to extend Cheshire East's FlexiLink 'dial-a-ride' bus service so more people can use it and drive passenger numbers up.

FlexiLink offers a personalised, door-to-door service and operates in a similar way to a traditional 'dial-a-ride'.

It is funded by the council and, at present, only people aged 80 and over, residents with a disability or those who live beyond the reach of any other public transport are eligible to use it. Nearly all passengers are concessionary pass holders who travel free of charge.

Highways boss Richard Hibbert told the highways and transport committee on Thursday, the service operates essentially as a membership scheme and the criteria 'could be considered a little onerous'.

The fare is currently free if you have a concessionary bus pass, or £3 if you don't. (Image - Cheshire East Council)

Since Covid passenger numbers have dwindled. The topic was reported on in this Macclesfield Nub News article earlier this month.

Mr Hibbert said the consultation would ask the local community what their priorities are for modernising the service.

"We will be asking questions around the eligibility criteria, should it relaxed, to what degree should it be relaxed," he said. "Questions around different times, extending the days of the week, so maybe an early evening service… or potentially a Saturday or Sunday service, and we will be testing the attitudes towards the introduction of a fare for users of FlexiLink."

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Wilmslow councillor Chris Hilliard (Ind) said: "Can I suggest that, as part of ongoing strategy, we look to work with Business Improvement Districts (BIDS), town councils and business groups to create targeted and specific offerings that can drive targeted demand on specific days."

The core hours of the service are between 9.30am and 2.30pm Monday to Friday. (Image - Cheshire East Council)

"It is a lifeline for some of the residents that are using it at the moment," she said.

Cllr Hannah Moss (Mobberley, Con) said: "We should be looking at the eligibility, especially considering lowering the age or welcoming families where children can join the service and go and enjoy days out."

The committee voted unanimously to consult the bus users and the public on proposals to modernise and improve the service.

Cheshire East HQ at Westfields, Sandbach. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

The consultation will be posted on the Cheshire East Council website early next month.

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More info about FlexiLink and how to book it can be found on HERE. 

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