Travel Section

Check out the links below for route-finding, timetables and bus services in Staffordshire.
You can also check out the local bus companies' sites by clicking on the links to the right.  Plus, there are links to street-map sites and the other ways of getting around.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external links, nor liable for the accuracy of the information.
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BUSSING IT

There are nearly three dozen bus companies in Staffordshire & Cheshire, including the quaintly named Ladyline. You can also check out some of the local bus companies' sites by clicking on the links to the right. 

However, the bulk of routes are operated by just two majors - First, whose buses are a white (with pink and purple trim); while a light green bus is probably part of the fleet owned by newcomers Arriva Midlands North.
Some time ago, First bought out the PMT (PMT stands for... not Potteries Mud Trucks, as children would have it, but, and this is true, "Potteries Motor Traction") group - and you can still sometime catch the sight of a red and yellow bus from those golden days.
First and Arriva have good websites and helpline numbers.
However, these two main companies' routes tend to overlap, and it's irritating to have check out both of them just to see when your next bus is....

So the Traveline and the BBC Journey Planner sites are a good comprehensive bet, plus they contain impartial information, for the whole of Staffordshire county, for all the local bus companies' routes and times - in one place! Very useful indeed.

In Cheshire, the kind people at the county council have really gone to town, and provide info on flexi-services, taxis, map-services etc as well as buses(!)
They even help out with a journey planner.
Cheshire even provides five public transport information kiosks at Chester, Ellesmere Port, Crewe, Northwich and Macclesfield and print a variety of leaflets and booklets alongside those produced by operators.

Phone

If you want an all-in-one service, you could try the Traveline helpline number: 0871 200 2233, except it only operates 8am-8pm, and charges you at national call rates. So, if you are being put on hold, it can start to run expensive.

If you live in North Staffordshire (and a bit of South Cheshire), First Buses have a local-rate travel line - 0870 8500 868 (8.00am to 6.00pm Mon-Fri).

Long Distance Coach

Now that you can pay over £100 return to get to London by train, the cheap alternative -- long-distance coach-travel -- is looking more and more attractive. The on-board toilets might only be fit for contortionists, but the seating is as comfortable as on many trains.

National Express coaches go from all sorts of places including Stafford, Cannock Hanley and Crewe bus stations.
Helpline: 08717 818181
And you can book online.

If you want the overall view, the Traveline and the BBC Journey Planner sites contain not only the coach timetables but those of trains and local buses - to get you from door-to-door!