Passengers will be able to travel on bus and rail with one ticket

A number of road and rail operators in West and East Lothian, Fife, Stirling, Dundee, Scottish Borders and Perth have joined the One-Ticket scheme.

Passengers can buy seven day, one month and annual tickets covering 59 rail stations.

The companies behind the scheme said it would help create an integrated transport network across the region.

First ScotRail, GNER, Virgin Trains, Lothian Buses, First Edinburgh and Stagecoach are among the operators taking part.

A number of regional transport companies are also involved.

The tickets will be available from staffed rail stations within the One-Ticket area.

'Economic benefits'

John Elliot, chairman of One-Ticket, said: "The introduction of rail with bus ticketing across the full east and central Scotland marks an exciting transition for One-Ticket.

"We hope to build on the success of the existing ticket, which is primarily for bus travel, and create an integrated transport network benefiting the economy, the environment and most importantly people travelling in Scotland."

Councillor Russell Imrie, chairman of the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership, said: "Travellers can now mix and match bus and rail services to suit their needs.

"It is a common sense approach towards public transport that will encourage people to use buses and trains as a hassle-free alternative to driving."

One-Ticket was introduced on buses in East Lothian and Edinburgh in May 2001.

The Scottish Executive has funded the extension of the scheme.