New bus timetables come into effect from Monday 31 March, affecting Crewe and Nantwich, Holmes Chapel, Macclesfield and further afield.

Cheshire East Council say bus services have been "enhanced" following a successful procurement exercise.

It is hoped the changes will enable better-connected journeys, improving access to jobs, education and essential services such as healthcare.

Chair of Cheshire East Council's highways and transport committee, Cllr Mark Goldsmith, said: "The new timetables provide a high degree of stability in our local bus network enabling residents to make travel plans with greater confidence and meaning that the bus is a viable option for many local journeys.

"At a time when the council has significant funding pressures, with the support of the government's funding for our bus service improvement plan, we have increased our commitment to local services." 

Bus timetable changes coming into effect March 31

• Reintroduction of the renumbered Nantwich rural services (51/52/53) which means that Audlem, Wrenbury and Nantwich will have a direct bus connection to Leighton Hospital
• Addition of evening journeys on the existing number 42 bus, which operates between Crewe and Congleton to improve links to Leighton Hospital
• 88 service between Macclesfield and Knutsford changing from two-hourly to hourly to significantly improve connectivity, including access to Macclesfield Hospital and major employment sites
• Northern section of the 391 service will now change from running every two hours to being an hourly service between Poynton and Stockport, supporting access to Stepping Hill Hospital and Greater Manchester
• Introduction of a Saturday service on the 317 between Alsager and Sandbach

Cheshire East Council's public transport member champion, Cllr Lata Anderson, said: "Whether its additional services providing better links to Leighton Hospital in the south or improving connectivity to our smaller towns and villages in the north, these changes are offering support to a wide range of bus users.

Chair of Cheshire East Council's highways and transport committee, Cllr Mark Goldsmith (CEC).

"I am especially pleased that Audlem residents will be getting a service again. I hope this may encourage many people not already using these supported services, to consider doing so.

"The new timetables are providing better connected services and the improvement to the connections to major hospitals is something that I know many residents will appreciate."

More details of the changes can be found on the D&G website.

READ MORE: Online-only GP booking system 'embarrassing' for elderly residents says councillor.

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