Cheshire East’s current FlexiLink bus service is to operate under the Go-Too “on demand” brand from August, the authority has announced.
But users will be hit by a 33% fare hike, as journey fares will rise from current £3 a journey for over 16s to £4.
CEC says the move will create a single “demand responsive” service operating across the borough.
Go-Too was introduced as a pilot in Nantwich in 2021 and is now being expanded following a service review and as part of the Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) programme.
From August 2026, FlexiLink will also operate under the Go-Too scheme and will cover all of Cheshire East, operating within four zones.
Currently, Go-Too operates from 7am to 9pm, Monday to Saturday.
But from August, according to Cheshire East, it will operate Mondays to Fridays between 9.30am and 2.30pm, and 4.30pm to 9pm. On Saturdays, it will run from 9am to 6pm.
Fares will be £4 per journey for those aged 16+ and £2 (under 16s). Journeys remain free for concessionary bus pass holders.
Cllr Anna Burton, of Nantwich North and West, said: “Cheshire East Council has undertaken consultations, and many residents have clearly expressed a desire for the service to be extended into evenings and weekends.
“That inevitably has implications for staffing and cost, which will have been carefully considered.
“In principle, I am open to the idea of integrating services if it delivers a more effective and reliable offer, consistent with what residents expect from a demand-responsive system.
“I recognise that change can be challenging and that no transport system is perfect,
“But if these improvements help people to get out and about, encourages greater use of public transport and reduces reliance on private cars, then I am fully on board.”
We have contacted Cheshire East Council for a statement and are awaiting a reply.
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