Pensioners can get on the buses for nothing

A NEW scheme giving free bus travel to elderly and disabled people in Huntingdonshire is likely to be extended to provide flat fare concessionary travel in the rest of Cambridgeshire. At present, people over 60 and some disabled people are entitled to hal

A NEW scheme giving free bus travel to elderly and disabled people in Huntingdonshire is likely to be extended to provide flat fare concessionary travel in the rest of Cambridgeshire.

At present, people over 60 and some disabled people are entitled to half-price bus travel after 9.30am on any journey starting or finishing in Cambridgeshire.

From April, travel will become free within the Huntingdonshire boundary, and the district council's cabinet is expected to authorise a flat fare add-on of £1.75 to extend journeys outside the district.

That would mean a Fenstanton pensioner would go to St Ives or Huntingdon for nothing, but would pay £1.75 to go to Cambridge or Bar Hill.

HDC had wanted to extend the free travel concession across the entire county but has been unable to get cash-strapped neighbouring districts to agree.

The concession will not be available on Cambridge park-and-ride services.