TRAVELLING by bus and rail in the Borders has just become a whole lot easier.

ScotRail and Borders Buses have teamed up to offer, for the first time, all-inclusive tickets.

Passengers can now plan their trips to Edinburgh Waverley from towns such as Peebles, Innerleithen, Hawick, Jedburgh, Kelso and Coldstream with the purchase of a single ticket.

ScotRail Tourism Manager Alasdair Smart is confident that: “The new Borders Explorer ticket will transform the way people travel to and from the Border towns, making it even easier, more connected and convenient.

"The Borders Railway has been a phenomenal success as it continues to grow in popularity."

Customers can leave or board the train at either Galashiels or Tweedbank to board the connecting Borders Bus services.

Borders Buses Commercial Manager Sharon Morrison welcomes the integrated travel.

She said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with ScotRail.

“The Borders Explorer joint ticket offers users a simple and easy way to travel, not just to and from but in and around the Scottish Borders.”

The all-in-one ticket includes ScotRail travel to and from Edinburgh Waverley and any Borders Bus to and from Galashiels Transport Interchange to towns and villages throughout the region.

The Borders Explorer ticket is available for both peak and off-peak journeys.

Both rail and bus bosses believe the all-in-one ticket is the ideal ticket for residents and visitors.

And it is hoped that the new deal will tie in with the Midlothian and Borders Tourism Action Group's recently launched phone app.

The ‘Scotland Starts Here’ app provides customers with tours, guides, and local information on things to see and do along the Borders Railway as well as connecting bus routes.

Giles Ingram from the Midlothian and Borders Tourism Action Group explained: “Visitors can venture further without needing a car, to explore some of Scotland’s most beautiful countryside, famed for its historic houses, food and drink.

“Tourism businesses throughout the Borders welcome the new Borders Explorer ticket by ScotRail and Borders Buses.”

The Borders Explorer ticket is available to buy from ScotRail travel shops, on-train or by phone.

More information is available at www.scotrail.co.uk/borders