A NEW bus ticket has been launched this week designed to make travelling across the district cheaper.

Twelve major operators across North Somerset, Bristol and Bath have joined forces to offer passengers an AvonRider ticket.

The new scheme allows passengers to use different bus companies and routes without having to buy a new ticket.

The AvonRider travelcard, which was launched today (Mon) by the West of England Bus Operators Association (WEBOA), will initially cost �7.20 per day for unlimited travel, but will rise to �7.50 following an introductory period.

The bus companies who have signed up to the scheme include First, North Somerset Coaches, Bakers Dolphin and Crosville Motor Services.

A WEBOA spokesman said the AvonRider was a ‘significant’ step forward.

He said: “It is something that the operators have worked on together for the benefit of customers.

“It will mean customers can travel throughout the entire West of England region, using multiple operators’ services for one set price.

“The travelcard can be bought on any of the operators’ services making the process of getting one really simple for the customer.

“This will ultimately save customers time and money and make travelling by bus much easier for everyone.”