Bus companies are now offering a cost-saving ticket to passengers using multiple operators.

People travelling from Sittingbourne and Sheppey to Maidstone can now buy the Swale Plus ticket.

It has been adopted by Chalkwell and Stagecoach, with prices being reduced by Kent County Council (KCC) for at least three months.

The ticket can be used on both operators, meaning people travelling from Sheppey who need to change at Sittingbourne only need to pay once.

It is also valid in Faversham as long as people are travelling within the Swale district or on the X3 to Maidstone.

A day ticket is priced at £5.50 with a weekly version available for £20.

The normal price for a day ticket is £6.30 and £23.10 for a weekly one.

KCC’s cabinet member for highways and transport, David Brazier, said: “With the school holidays approaching, I am pleased people will be able to take advantage of these cheaper fares.

“Working with bus operators and the government, KCC has been able to secure this lower fare – making it cheaper for people to travel between Swale and Maidstone.

“This will make travelling on the bus more attractive whether that be to meet friends and family, for work or for leisure.”

Roads Minister Richard Holden says the scheme will benefit people during the cost-of-living-crisis.

He explained: “This new scheme will help unlock opportunities for passengers across north Kent, by giving them access to cheaper fares and easier journeys, supporting them with the cost of living.

“We want everyone up and down the country to have a modern, reliable and affordable public transport system.

“That is why we have supported KCC with more than £37 million to boost its bus services.”

There are also offers available for under 19s and families.

It has come about thanks to funding from the government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan grant.

The new fares have come in during the same week as Chalkwell took on the 334 service between Sheerness and Maidstone.

Arriva had been running the 334 but it was one of nine routes dropped by the company.