Disabled people have been able to travel free on buses at off-peak times since a new nationwide scheme was introduced in April.

But a subsidised 50p fare for disabled folk travelling before 9.30am was axed at the same time – leaving some disabled commuters struggling to afford to get to work.

County Hall chiefs have decided to spend £300,000 reintroducing subsidised fares after disabled people made them aware of the issue.

Coun Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for sustainable development, said: "There are many people who are disabled who hold down a job, many of them part-time.

"They have gone from paying 50p to being asked to pay the full price.

"The concessionary travel scheme is not the county council's responsibility – it is the district councils'.

"But under adult and social care, we have a responsibilty to people who may not be able-bodied."

Coun Tomlinson said he hoped discounts for disabled people and carers could be reintroduced within six weeks, following talks with bus companies.

He added the £300,000 would come from the adult and community services department, with ongoing internal savings within County Hall helping to generate cash.

Galloway's Society for the Blind campaigned for the return of the subsidised fares.

Director Peter Taylor said: "When people were travelling before 9.30am, to ask them to pay the full amount was having a knock-on effect on us."

Cheaper peak time fares will not be offered to pensioners, who will continue to travel free on buses after 9.30am.



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