FUNDING for concessionary bus fares for the over 60s in Worcester has been approved by the city council.

At a meeting of the cabinet members voted in favour of continuing the scheme from June 1 2003.

In partnership with Malvern Hills and Wychavon district council, the city council offers men and women aged more than 60 years old and disabled people an £8 pass.

This entitles them to concessionary travel at a flat fare of 30p for a single journey, or 45p for a return journey within the city area. These rates are to remain the same for the next year, starting from June 1.

The cabinet was told that negotiations to approve arrangements for the reimbursement of the bus companies are still continuing.

Temporary

But temporary arrangements have been put in place just in case negotiations are not completed before the start of the scheme.

Councillor Roger Berry said the scheme was the "jewel in the crown" of city services.

But he added that the annual negotiation period with the bus companies was a "game of cat and mouse".

"We go through this every year," he said. "It seems at some stage the Government should be encouraged to take action to move away from this situation."

Smart card passes, which would provide more reliable information on the level of use being made of concessionary passes and therefore the amount of money needed to reimburse the bus companies, were due to be introduced this June.

But the cabinet agreed to delay the cards until a new national standard was announced later this year.