Early start for free pre-9.30am bus travel

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EARLY morning bus travel for the elderly and disabled has arrived earlier than expected after a misunderstanding between the borough council and one of the town's bus companies.

First bus started allowing the over 60s and the disabled to travel for free before 9.30am on January 1 after previously being informed that was when the scheme would be rolled out.

But delays in negotiations with other bus operators mean the official launch has been delayed until February. However Redditch Borough Council has allowed First to continue to offer free pre-9.30am travel to avoid confusion.

Coun Greg Chance, who is responsible for transport on the council, said: "We wanted our pre-9.30 bus travel for the over 60s and the disabled in place for the New Year, so this early availability from First is a happy accident ahead of the actual launch in February."

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