CONCESSIONARY fares on Chester’s Park & Ride bus services are to be scrapped next week.

The proposals, which were announced in February’s Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) budget meeting, come into effect on Monday.

A series of cost-cutting measures implemented by the authority will mean all passengers, including those with bus passes, will have to pay the full £2 return fare.

In addition, concessionary pass holders travelling on bus services before 9.30am on days from Monday to Friday will no longer be entitled to pay a half fare, and fares will be reinstated on community transport services.

However, concessionary pass holders will continue to have free travel on bus services after 9.30am on week days and public holidays.

Labour transport spokesman Cllr David Robinson blasted the changes.

He said: “Community transport provides a door-to-door service for those who need it most.

“Faced with this new charge, many people will either stay at home or reduce their trips out. This does not promote the well-being agenda, nor does it benefit the local economy.

“These cuts come in on April Fool’s Day. I wish it was a joke but sadly the Tories have attacked vulnerable members of our community on low incomes.”

Cllr Lynn Riley, CWaC executive member for community and environment, said: “The council has had to take a very difficult decision to make these changes, which are estimated to enable £165,000 per year to be reinvested by the council to help enable these services to continue operating.

“The vast majority of free trips made on local bus services by concessionary pass holders are not affected.

“We are working closely with operators of community transport services to make sure users of these services receive more information in the coming weeks.”

Arthur Neil, chief executive of Cheshire Community Development Trust, operators of Dial a Ride in the Northwich, Winsford and Frodsham areas, said: “While we would prefer not to have to charge our customers to use our service, the income is vital to enable us to continue to provide this important service for our communities.

“We are working with CWaC to look at ways of reducing costs and generating other income so we can maintain the best service possible for the local community.”