A TOWN'S elderly and disabled travellers may be able to choose which concessionary fares scheme they subscribe to.

On Tuesday, Middlesbrough Borough Council will consider options for concessionary fare arrangements for the town in the light of a new national half-fare scheme being introduced by the Government.

The national scheme aims to ensure a minimum standard of concessionary fares, and is particularly targeted at areas where there is no existing scheme.

Middlesbrough already offers discounted bus passes at £10 each and a minimum 30p fare.

Councillor Ken Hall said that as many might feel this is better than the Government's proposal, councillors will be asked to consider giving people the choice.

Head of transport and design, Brian Glover, said: "The creation of a national scheme allows us to provide people who are eligible for a concessionary pass with a choice this year.

"What scheme people choose will very much depend on their travelling arrangements - if they only use the bus on the odd occasion, then the national scheme would perhaps be best, but if they are a regular user, they may consider the local scheme a better option.

"We'll be offering advice when the passes are renewed."

After Tuesday's decision, a date will be fixed for renewing the passes and advertised in the press. Current passes will be valid until then.