CASH has been found to provide pensioners and the disabled with subsidised train passes.
Selby District Council has agreed to fund the scheme in addition to the free bus passes currently on offer.
Those aged 60 and over will now be able to apply for a Senior Railcard at a cost of £14 rather than the usual £24. Disabled travellers will be able to apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard at the reduced price of £10, which is usually priced at £18.
The railcards are valid for a year and entitle holders to a third off the price of train tickets across the UK.
Coun Mark Crane, leader of Selby District Council, said the offer would help people with the recession and help to reduce carbon emissions.
He said: “This will give older people and those registered as disabled more support to be able to travel and will be an important addition to the passes for free bus travel that already exist. We recognise that not everywhere in the district has easy access to rail services, but our aim here is to offer more choice for residents.
“Pensioners and others on fixed incomes are finding the current economic troubles tough, especially those who rely on savings to provide a regular income.
“It’s important that we support our residents in as many ways as we can.
“Through our scheme you’ll be able to get a railcard at over 40 per cent less than you’d have to pay if you bought it yourself at a station.
“Supporting people to use public transport also benefits everyone in the district in other ways too – it will help to reduce reliance on cars, so it supports our work to limit carbon emissions and cut congestion.”
Reg French, secretary of the Selby and District Rail Users Group, said he was pleased his group’s discussions with the council had led to the offer being made.
The Press, 9th April 2009
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