FREE bus travel could soon be on offer to older residents in the Malvern Hills area.

People over 60, or those with disabilities, currently pay half fare to travel on all local bus services.

This could change from April 2006, if the district council approves plans at a meeting next week.

George Waugh, of Malvern Age Concern, said: "If bus travel's going to be free that's tremendous. But it doesn't make a difference to people who haven't got a bus service. They've got to continue pressing on harder with improvements to rural transport."

From April, the Government requires all local authorities to offer off-peak bus travel within the district for over-60s and residents with certain disabilities.

If introduced, the MHDC scheme would better this, allowing eligible residents free travel on all local bus services starting and finishing in Worcestershire at all times.

Travellers entitled to concessions would be issued with Smart Cards at Malvern Customer Service Centre.

The cards, read by scanners on board buses, would act as tickets, also allowing councils to calculate bus service usage.

At an executive committee meeting on Tuesday, members will be asked to accept an offer of £51,500 from Worcestershire County Council towards the scheme.

The offer relies on Worcestershire's five other district councils agreeing to take part in the scheme by October 31.

If the other councils don't accept, MHDC will try to negotiate agreement between fewer partners and the county council and the matter will return to executive board.

The new scheme is likely to cost MHDC an additional £58,722 to reimburse bus service operators and, on Tuesday, councillors will be asked to include the amount in next year's budget.

The council will retain the right to review the scheme in the future, as the county council is not yet sure how much funding will be available.