I THOUGHT that Mrs Spence (Letters, February 26) would be interested to know the current position regarding pensioners' travel concessions.

Since May 1, 2001, the Government has required all local authorities to give pensioners and certain disabled people "half-price" bus passes.

In York we also retained the option of £24 worth of travel tokens instead.

This year, for the first time since 1996, we have been able to increase this to £50 of travel tokens which can now be used on social-services transport, as well as on buses, taxis and local trains.

There is also an option for those who do not wish to take advantage of the travel concessions to get a £50 reduction on car park passes.

In addition, we have negotiated a better deal with the bus operators and are pleased to announce that from April 4 the cost of a "day rover" will be just 50 pence.

We are delighted that we have enabled pensioners and the disabled to choose to use this benefit in the way that best fits their travel needs.

Distribution of the travel tokens will start on April 6 at the Guildhall when we also shall be launching Pensioners' Pride, part of which will include a form-filling service to enable residents to claim all the benefits that they are entitled to.

Coun Ann Reid,

Executive member for planning and transport,

City of York Council,

Grassholme, York.

Updated: 10:14 Monday, March 01, 2004