THE WAY people in Gloucestershire use concessionary bus passes is to be reviewed by the council.

Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) recently negotiated a concessionary fare agreement with Stagecoach which allows elderly people, or people with a physical or learning disability, to travel for free on its buses after 9:30am.

The same arrangement has been in place since the council took over responsibility for the scheme in 2011.

The budget for concessionary passes comes from central government, which set the 9.30am start rule, but GCC needs to find £1m every year to fill the gap.

Following a full council meeting, held on Wednesday, March 19, it was unanimously decided to review this arrangement travellers described the problems the timing of the rule had on their journeys.

Cllr Will Windsor Clive, cabinet member responsible for concessionary bus fares, said, “As always we are happy to review this rule, which was imposed in 2006 by government, to see if we can improve the service for users.

“Councillors will have to understand the possible cost implications and make a choice as to how we spend your money.”

Leader of the Labour party, Lesley Williams, said: “It is good news that councillors have agreed to review the rule that prevents older people and people with disabilities from using their concessionary travel pass before 9.30am in the morning.”

Liberal Democrat councillor, Cllr Colin Hay, said, the use of concessionary bus passes before 9.30am was a complicated issue and could have far-reaching economic consequences.