Maidenhead & Windsor

New nationwide free bus passes for the over-60s could leave the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough out of pocket if the government does not properly fund the full amount of money needed to cover the extra cost, particularly for the huge number of visitors using public transport in Windsor.

A report to cabinet next week (March 27) shows that changes to the concessionary fares scheme – allowing older people and those who are disabled to travel free all over the country and not just in their local areas – could mean the council having to subsidise bus fares for people from outside the Windsor and Maidenhead borough.

Now the cabinet is proposing to write to transport secretary Ruth Kelly stressing that the scheme must be fully funded.

Cllr John Story, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult services, said: "It's great news that people over 60 and those who are disabled are being given free nationwide travel. It will open up new opportunities for them to visit some of the country's most popular tourist and historic attractions, such as Windsor – but while this will be of tremendous benefit to the local economy it means the council has to bear the cost of bus travel for people who don't live in our borough.

"The Royal Borough is one of this country's top destinations, with around seven million visitors every year. The Department for Transport should fully fund the changes to concessionary fares so that the council does not subsidise the bus fares of visitors.

"We propose to write to the transport secretary to impress upon her the absolute necessity of allocating enough funds to cover the extra passengers we expect to welcome to Windsor after April 1."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead