Pensioners who use wheelchairs and disability scooters could soon only pay half price taxi fares in Oswestry, it was revealed today.The scheme is being offered as an extra to the free bus pass which is being brought in for many travellers across England next year. The over 60s and people with some disabilities across the borough already enjoy free, countywide bus trips.

That scheme will be extended to take in all local buses across the country in April.

Councillors have heard that Oswestry’s initiative, which could cost £220,000 this year, has seen a 115 per cent increase in the use of bus passes.

Now taxi firms could also benefit from more customers if a proposal to cut fares in half on those that can carry mobility scooters and wheelchairs gets the go ahead.

The borough council’s scrutiny committee meets on Tuesday to look at concessionary fares and consider options other than the statutory minimum.

A report to councillors from Richard Jones, Oswestry Borough Council’s transport officer, said the government’s new Smart Card scheme will allow free travel for disabled people and those over 60 anywhere in England from April 1.

The borough council is also being asked to look at four extra options ranging in price from £247,000 to £294,000.

They include:

• A free fare on the new Shropshire Link bus service
• A third off rail card vouchers
• Half fare on four taxi companies in Oswestry, which can accommodate a wheelchair/mobile scooter for use in the borough.

Mr Jones said: “The current concession allows scooter and motorised wheelchair users who cannot board a normal bus, to use bus passes for journeys on specially-equipped Dial-a-Ride services.”

A special task group looking at concessionary travel has suggested that because of pressures on this service this is extended to include local taxi companies that have specially adapted vehicles for scooters and motorised wheelchairs.

It is planned that the new bus pass will include a photograph and a longer expiry date of up to four years in order to cut costs reproducing passes annually.

By Sue Austin