BUS passengers are now able to save money on journeys to encourage more people to use public transport as the industry continues to recover from the Covid pandemic.

A new Government scheme, which launched on January 1, has capped fares on single bus journeys with more than 130 operators across the country.

The prices for single fares are being capped at £2 on more than 4,600 routes nationally to help families, commuters and other passengers.

Operators in Cheshire West and Chester are also taking part in the scheme, which runs until March 31, with selected routes in Northwich and Winsford included.

Northwich buses included in the £2 fare cap

Arriva

1 - Northwich-Weaverham-Northwich-Rudheath-Northwich

4 - Northwich-Barnton-Northwich-Leftwich-Kingsmead-Northwich

31 - Northwich-Winsford-Leighton Hospital-Crewe

37 - Northwich-Winsford-Middlewich-Sandbach-Crewe

Stagecoach

48/48A - Northwich-Greenbank-Weaverham-Acton Bridge-Kingsley-Frodsham

Warrington's Own Buses

CAT9 - Northwich-Lostock Gralam-Wincham-Comberbach-Stretton-Stockton Heath-Warrington

9A - Northwich-Winnington-Barnton-Antrobus-Stretton-Stockton Heath-Warrington

D&G

82 - Chester-Vicars Cross-Tarvin-Kelsall-Hartford-Northwich

89 - Northwich-Lostock Gralam-Knutsford

Winsford buses included in the £2 fare cap

Arriva

7A - Winsford Industrial Estate-Winsford-Over St Johns-Glebe Green-Winsford-Winsford Railway Station-Winsford Industrial Estate

31W - Winsford-Leighton Hospital-Crewe

37W - Winsford-Middlewich-Sandbach

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport, Councillor Karen Shore said: "The initiative encourages people to get back on the bus to help the industry continue its recovery from the pandemic.

"It will also reduce CO2 emissions and tackle congestion by taking an estimated two million cars off the road nationally.

"If you’ve never used buses before, why not give it a go and see if bus travel could work for you – this is ideal opportunity to hop on board.

"Buses are a key part of our vision for clean, efficient and modern transport network in the borough, that is affordable for everyone.

"This is a great way to start the new year and we will continue to work with our bus operators, through our enhanced partnership, to ensure passengers can access reliable and affordable bus services once the scheme ends in March."

The scheme is on the Government’s Help for Households website, as the new cap can deliver savings for those most affected by the rising cost of living.