New bus routes open thanks to council's Bus Service Improvement Plan

23 March 2026

Cheshire East Council is introducing a range of improvements to local bus services starting this weekend.

The positive changes have been made possible through Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding from the Department for Transport.

Working in partnership with bus operators and Cheshire West and Chester Council, the changes will provide new weekend travel opportunities and better links to employment, education, healthcare and leisure across both boroughs.

Cheshire East Council will introduce new Sunday and Bank Holiday journeys on its 391, 31 and 37 routes, alongside further enhancements to the 12, 12A and 13 services. 

These changes will expand access to essential services, offer more reliable connections for weekend travel and improve links to key destinations such as Leighton Hospital, Crewe railway station, Crewe Business Park, Grand Junction Retail Park, Sandbach, Middlewich, Winsford, Northwich, Poynton, Macclesfield and Stockport.

The new 391 Sunday and Bank Holiday service between Macclesfield and Stockport, will mirror the existing Monday to Saturday route. A new 31 Sunday and Bank Holiday service between Northwich and Crewe via Winsford and Leighton Hospital will also start running.

Improvements to the 37 service include a new Sunday and Bank Holiday timetable and new Monday to Friday journeys between Sandbach and Winsford. The new timetable enables connections with the 31 and 38 at Winsford and Sandbach for onward travel, with day tickets bought for the 37 valid on the 31 and 38 services. 

Revisions to the 12A route and timetable will improve links to Grand Junction Retail Park, Hungerford Road, Crewe railway station, Crewe Business Park and Leighton Hospital.

Councillor Mark Goldsmith, chair of Cheshire East Council’s highways and transport committee, said: “These new services show our ongoing commitment to improving public transport across Cheshire East. Introducing Sunday and Bank Holiday journeys will make a real difference to residents who rely on buses to reach work, healthcare and leisure activities. 

“This funding from the DfT means we can continue strengthening the network ensuring it works for the communities we serve.”

Councillor Lata Anderson, Cheshire East Council’s buses member champion, said: “We know how important accessible bus services are for our towns and villages. These improvements – particularly the new Sunday services – open up more opportunities for people to travel sustainably and independently. 

“I’m very pleased that we are working with operators and neighbouring councils to deliver better options for passengers.”

Councillor Karen Shore, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s cabinet member for transport and highways, said: “A strong and reliable bus network is vital for connecting our communities, and we are pleased to be working with Cheshire East Council to expand services across both boroughs.

“These improvements will be a real boost for residents in Winsford and Northwich. In particular, the enhanced bus link to Leighton Hospital will offer a vital connection to healthcare services that many people rely on.”

For the latest information on all the council’s bus services, please visit: Bus service timetables and journey planning