ELDERLY and disabled bus users across Redditch will be forced to pay full fare on a number of routes from Monday, writes Becky Procter.

The news comes as bus company Pete's Travel prepares to take over the 61a, 177/178 and 179 routes axed by the town's leading operator First Midland Red.

Councillors and officers met Pete's Travel bosses on Friday to discuss details of the routes the bus firm will be operating from Monday.

And it was revealed Pete's Travel would not be accepting Redditch Council's buss pass scheme, meaning pensioners and the disabled will have to pay full fare on the 61a and 178 services.

Council leader Albert Wharrad said the council was disappointed the council's bus pass scheme would not be accepted.

Pete's Travel managing director Kevin Jones said the 1986 Transport Act states operators should be no better or worse off as a result of taking part in a concessionary scheme.

A weekly pass with Pete's Travel for the 61a will be £10 for an adult, which expires at midnight on Sundays. First Midland Red's weekly pass is £5.75.

A weekly pass for the 178 route will be £14 with Pete's Travel and normal fares will be in line with First Midland Red.

Meanwhile, First Midland Red bosses have claimed drivers are quitting their jobs to take up new positions with Pete's Travel.

So far, nine drivers from First Midland Red have left to work for Pete's Travel which has confirmed it has taken on 14 new drivers.

The assaults prompted Redditch police to launch an operation to stamp out the problem.

The initiative, launched in April, saw uniformed and undercover officers travel on buses across the town.