THE 16,000 people eligible for concessionary bus fares in Darlington are to get more choice in how they use their discounts.

Presently, local authorities are free to implement whatever type of concessionary travel scheme they wish, with statutory limits.

This has led to a wide range of concessions being offered nationally, ranging from no concessions at all, to free travel for all those who are eligible.

The Government has recognised the inequality of the situation, and has set minimum criteria for eligibility. Revised schemes reflecting these new rules must be operating by June 1.

Darlington Borough Council wants to implement its new scheme from April 1, and will offer those eligible three options.

John Buxton, the local authority's director of development and environment, said: "Under option one, there would be half-fare concessions for travel by bus within the local authority area, and this would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"It applies to those of retirement age and to disabled people. It will permit the companions of those disabled people who are unable to travel alone to use the half-fare concessions scheme.

"A photo-pass will be issued to each concessionaire, which will last for three years."

Option two is a voucher scheme to a value of £35 for use on certain taxis and the Dial A Ride service, which cater for those who are unable to use conventional public transport.

Option three would allow the concessionaire to pay an additional sum to the bus operators in exchange for a pass giving free travel.

Councillors approved the scheme in its draft form, but not everyone is in favour.

Mick Kennedy, chairman of the Darlington Independent Taxi Traders Organisation, said the scheme will prevent disabled people from using their vouchers in the majority of taxis, because they are not licensed to carry wheelchairs, even though in most cases the person can be helped into the back seat, with the chair being folded up.