Fare deal for Stamford's elderly

16th June 2008

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Mercury starts Campaign for fair fares for the elderly

South Kesteven District Council is the only one in Lincolnshire that doesn't let bus pass holders make peak time bus journeys - they say it would cost too much.

A new national scheme in place from April 1st allows passholders to travel free on local services between 9.30am and 11pm - yet all other Lincolnshire pensioners and registered disabled people can use a bus for free at any time to anywhere in the country. South Kesteven passholders have to wait til after 9.30am.

The Rutland and Stamford Mercury have decided to start a campaign to make SKDC change their minds. You can Click here to make your voice heard.

All six other Lincolnshire district councils came to an agreement with bus operators last week. Lincolnshire county council agreed to split the £120,000 costs so each council will pay around £17,000. SKDC say they will stick with what they've got for now and will review the system over the next 6-9 months and find out the cost.

Stamford's Mayor, Maureen Jalili is backing the Mercury's campaign with the town council asking for the disabled and pensioners to have the same rights as everyone else in the county.

SKDC say they hope ratepayers will appreciate their prudence, and they have already put £500,000 into the bus pass scheme. They say they just want to ensure what the costs will be before committing ratepayers money.What's your opinion?