Cheshire East Council home page

Using buses and inclusive travel

Not sure how to use a bus or if they provide inclusive travel? This page is for you, with detailed guides and links to further information about how to travel, your rights, support, and practical resources to help make journeys more accessible across Cheshire East.

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How to catch a bus

Step 1 - Planning your journey

Use the Traveline journey planner - add your starting point and your destination to see suggested routes and times.

Traveline - Plan your journey

Planning your route in advance will help give you an idea of:

  • How long the journey might take
  • Which bus routes are best for you (there may be more than one)
  • Which bus stops you need to get on and off at
  • When and how often the buses run on that route
  • How much the journey will cost

Step 2: Boarding the bus

Make sure you’re at the bus stop a few minutes before your bus is due. As the bus approaches:

  • Check the number and destination displayed on the front
  • The destination needs to be in the same direction as yours – if not you may be on the wrong side of the road
  • Raise your arm to signal to the driver that you want to get on
  • Get your ticket, bus pass, or payment method ready
  • Wait for the bus to come to a stop and for the doors to open before trying to board

Step 3: Paying your fare

The bus driver should sell you the best ticket for your journey:

  • Have your money ready when you get on
  • Tell the driver where you are going and if you require a single, return or day ticket
  • Pay the driver the fare, then take your ticket and keep it safe
  • If you already have a bus pass you should be able to tap this when you board and/or show the bus driver
  • Most fares are set by the bus operator, so visit their website if you want more information about fares and ticket options. If you plan to make the journey regularly, you may save money with weekly, monthly or annual tickets.

Step 4: Enjoy the journey

Once you’ve paid, sit down and relax.

Many buses have special seating areas at the front for passengers who are elderly or have disabilities. Wheelchairs have a dedicated space(s) and often there’s a ‘buggy zone’ too.

Step 5: Getting off the bus

As you approach the stop where you want to get off:

  • Ring the bell to tell the driver to stop the bus
  • If you won’t recognise the stop in advance, ask the driver to help when you get on
  • Sometimes other passengers can be helpful too
  • If you think you have left any personal possessions on board the bus, then please contact the operator directly to see if they can retrieve this for you

 


Travel assistance cards

We know that some people may feel a bit worried about travelling by bus. To help, we have made some special Travel Assistance Cards. You can show these cards to the bus driver if you need a little extra help but don’t want to ask out loud.

For example, you might need more time to sit down before the bus starts moving, or you might lip-read and need the driver to look at you when they speak. Each card has a message that tells the driver what you need.

If you don’t have a printer, you can take a screenshot of the cards on your phone and show that to the driver.

You don’t have to use these cards. They are only there if you want them.

The cards are for getting help, not for free travel. If you want to know about bus passes, please look at our bus pass webpages.

Downloadable travel cards

The below cards can be downloaded and stored on your phone to assist you on public transport:


Mobility scooters

Bus operators have a variety of bus types which come in various shapes and sizes which makes it difficult to know if specific mobility scooters are suitable for specific vehicles. For this reason, customers wishing to travel with their mobility scooter on buses must have a permit. This is available via each bus operator. The permit is used to assure drivers that the scooter has been approved for safety, weight, maneuverability etc.


Low Floor and Wheelchair Access

All buses are built for easy-access, making it quicker and simpler for wheelchair users or people with pushchairs. With more bus stops now being adapted to be more accessible, 720 in Cheshire East, it’s never been easier to travel.

Wheelchair users have priority in Law over everyone else for the use of the designated wheelchair space, since this is the only place in which they can travel safely. Non-wheelchair users, unlike wheelchair users, will normally have a choice about which part of the bus to sit or stand in.

All buses can accommodate at least one wheelchair and have one dedicated wheelchair space which is clearly signed. Other passengers may occupy this space when it is not required by a passenger in a wheelchair, but must give up this space for a wheelchair user.

When your low floor bus arrives at the bus stop the driver will lower the step and deploy the ramp to allow you to board, provided it is safe to do so.

Please ask the driver for assistance if you require any help.

Once you are on board, you should reverse your wheelchair into the dedicated area on board (so you are facing the back of the vehicle) and apply the brakes.

Aisles and gangways must be kept clear at all times.

Page last reviewed: 23 June 2026