Free travel axe plans are subject of meeting
Plans to take away free train and tram travel from pensioners in the West Midlands are to be discussed by councillors on Monday.
Transport authority Centro has convened a special meeting to approve launching a consultation on its controversial measures to save £14 million a year.
It is also proposing to reduce funding for the door-to-door Ring and Ride service, used by disabled and older people, and increase the amount children must pay for buses from a half fare to two thirds.
Another option would be to expect pensioners to pay an annual charge for tram and train travel of £30.
See also: Axe threat to free West Midlands travel for elderly
The move would not affect free bus travel for pensioners and the disabled between 9.30am and 11pm, which Centro is obliged by the Government to fund.
The transport authority is paid for by councils who have all had their grants from the Government cut.
It had previously offered the off-peak free tram and train travel as an 'add-on'.
Pat O'Dowd of the Wolverhampton Pensioners' Convention said older people opposed the changes. She said: "People need to use the Metro just as much as the buses.
Centro chairman Councillor John McNicholas has said the authority is facing difficult options. He called for people to use the planned consultation to say where they believed savings should be made and what effect the reductions would have on the way they travel.
