West Midland’s transport bosses are pledging to continue to give the region’s senior citizens one of the best free public transport deals in the country when the Government’s nationwide bus pass scheme begins in 2008.

Centro-PTA councillors say they will continue to provide free travel on all modes of transport in the West Midland’s, including trains and Midland Metro, to the region’s senior citizens once the scheme begins, as has been the case for many years.

And, during a meeting of the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority next Monday, councillors will question the Government’s idea to provide the nation’s over 60’s with free travel passes which are only valid on buses nationwide.

“It is nonsense that trains and trams are not included in the national scheme,” commented Cllr Gary Clarke, Chairman of Centro-PTA.

“They are an essential part of the integrated public transport system in the West Midlands and the UK as a whole, and key to getting people from A to B in the most efficient and comfortable way possible.”

The West Midlands has always provided senior citizens in the region with one of the country’s best concessionary travel schemes.

Centro-PTA councillors brought in free off-peak local bus, train and tram travel for anyone over the age 60 in the region nine months ahead of the Government’s free bus pass scheme.

Nearly half a million senior citizens in the West Midlands have now claimed their free travel pass, following a decline of uptake in recent years across the UK.

“It has long been Centro-PTA’s policy to make concessions widely available, offer an attractive alternative to the car, and encourage more people, of all ages, to use public transport. That is the greatest hope we have in the region’s campaign to cut congestion,” concludes Cllr Clarke.