CONCESSIONARY bus pass holders in the Cherwell area will soon be able use them for inter-county travel.

The move will bring Cherwell into line with neighbouring districts where passes can already be used for journeys into other areas.

Changes to the scheme come in to effect on Tuesday, August 1, and will allow pass holders to travel on direct bus routes between Cherwell and adjoining district council areas such as West Oxfordshire, Stratford, and South Northamptonshire.

At the moment, Cherwell's concessions can only be used for journeys that start and end in the Cherwell district, but South Northants and West Oxfordshire passes can be used for trips to other districts.

Trevor Bayliss, Stagecoach operations manager in Banbury, said: "The extension of the area brings no changes to the service offered by Stagecoach, but improves the customer service we provide.

"Currently customers have to pay for part of their journey because the certain routes cross council boundaries, but the extension of the area will mean travellers can sit back, enjoy the journey, and save money."

There will be no change to the way tickets are issued. Stagecoach said it expected to see an increase in users when the change is introduced.