A NEW network of local bus services for the Ellesmere Port area took to the road on Monday.

GHA Coaches is operating two cross- town routes linking residential areas with the town centre, providing buses every half-hour throughout the day, Monday to Saturday.

Buses will operate at the same times throughout the day, making it easier to remember when the bus is due.

Using modern, low-floor, wheelchair- accessible buses, the new services increase the frequency for some areas of the town, and passengers will be able to obtain an electronic Travelcard providing discounts on single or return tickets.

In addition to these town services, GHA Coaches is also extending its DB2 route to provide a new link between Ellesmere Port, Stoak, and Wervin to serve the Countess of Chester Hospital grounds, Chester and Saltney Ferry.

Gareth Lloyd Davies, a director of GHA Coaches, said: “We’re pleased to be bringing these new services to Ellesmere Port and look forward to welcoming current and new bus users on board.

“Our investment builds upon services we already provide in the area, and also hope that by co-ordinating bus times, passengers will find it easier to travel between different parts of the town.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s community and environment executive member, Cllr Lynn Riley, said: “These new services are being introduced following a review by our Integrated Transport Service, which has been working closely with GHA Coaches.

“I hope that many people take the opportunity to travel by bus, reducing emissions as an alternative to car trips whilst also supporting our local business and economy.”

The Red Line 6 and Blue Line 7 routes replaces the current routes 4/4X, 7, 101, 102, 141, 159 and 404.

Full details are within new timetable leaflets available from Ellesmere Port Bus Station, library and council offices in Ellesmere Port, or by calling Traveline on 0871 200 22 33.

There are no changes to existing bus services linking Ellesmere Port with Liverpool, Chester, Neston, Runcorn and Mold.