An innovative new scheme which links rail and bus travel in Billericay has been officially launched.

Fastcard, a joint venture between Great Eastern railways and the First Thamesway bus company, was launched at Billericay rail station by MP Teresa Gorman

.

The scheme means commuters will be able to buy a joint rail and bus ticket from the town's rail station.

The ticket can then be used on buses in three zones in the Billericay area, including central Billericay, Stock and Ramsden Heath, as well as the Southend Victoria to Liverpool Street line.

The scheme is designed to cut the number of commuters who drive to the rail station.

Theo Steel, Great Eastern's sales and marketing director, welcomed the Fastcard scheme.

He said: "Car parking is at a premium and spaces are in short supply. If we can offer an attractive product such as the Fastcard we believe even motorists will welcome this green initiative."

A good deal - Teresa helps launch the new travel scheme with a huge ticket

Picture: NICK ANSELL

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.