Free bus travel scheme discussed

Free off-peak bus travel for over-60s and disabled people is to be discussed by councillors who will be asked to recommend adopting the scheme.

More than 90,000 senior citizens and people with disabilities across the Greater Bristol area currently receive half-price travel concessions.

Those eligible will be able to claim free bus travel from 1 April, 2006.

The proposal involves Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol City, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire councils.

A spokesman for the four councils said: "We are committed to providing a transport system which is fair and accessible to all and helps reduce social exclusion.

"Clearly this scheme does have significant financial implications and we will be carefully monitoring the situation and talking to the government to ensure that it provides the necessary funding."

A publicity campaign is planned for early next year to ensure everyone eligible will be aware of how to benefit from the scheme.