NEW options for concessionary travel fares will be set out by Darlington Borough Council today.

Councillors are expected to approve plans for a half-fare travel concessions scheme at a cabinet meeting this afternoon.

The council estimates that the scheme will cost £545,000 for this year and next year, and will offer pensioners and disabled people who qualify for the service four options.

They can choose a half-fare travel pass for buses in the borough, valid for three years; a prepaid pass for £52 which will allow free travel in the urban area and half-fare travel in the rest of the borough, valid for one year; or a prepaid pass for £62 offering free travel in the borough for a year, or vouchers to the value of £35 for travel on accessible taxis and Dial A Ride only. These, too, will be valid for a year.

For each of the options a pass with the holder's photograph will be issued free.

The new issue will take place during March to allow the scheme to come into operation on April 1. The cabinet committee will be asked to give approval to the plans today