HUNDREDS of pensioners in Darlington will no longer qualify for a scheme which gives them free taxi rides.

For the past few years, those over the age of 60 have been given taxi vouchers by Darlington Borough Council.

But from September, the £50 in taxi vouchers will only apply to those over the age of 75, disabled people over the age of 60, or people who live at residential homes.

However, yesterday, Darlington council said those aged 60 to 75 would still qualify for a half fare bus pass or pre-pay bus passes.

A council spokesman said changes to the scheme would benefit those over 75.

"Hundreds of people who actually need to use the taxis will be able to do so, those who are able-bodied and can use other forms of transport can use the buses.

"We brought in these changes after extensive consultation. It is not going to mean savings for us, it is probably going to cost us more," he said.

In the past, pensioners have only been able to use their vouchers on taxis which had disabled access, but they can use any taxi. Those who qualify for the vouchers will be issued with £25 between October 2005 and March 2006.

Vouchers can be used for full or part payment of journeys made in any Darlington council licensed hackney carriage, private hire vehicle and the Ring-a-Ride service.

The journey must start or end within the borough.

Letters will be sent to those who have pre-paid bus passes which are valid until the end of September. They will explain how to apply for the next pass or how to change to a half-fare pass or taxi vouchers if appropriate. There will be no change to the cost of pre-paid passes.