CALLS are being made for a shake-up of the concessionary bus fare scheme in amid claims the elderly are being left more isolated.

Lib Dem councillors are bringing a notice of motion to the full council meeting of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council this week urging the authority to support moves to call on the government to re-look at the scheme, which allows pensioners and the disabled to travel for free.

Bus companies are reimbursed by the county council under the scheme.

But councillors claim the scheme isn't sustainable and routes are being cut as a result.

They say travellers would be willing to pay a contribution to their fare rather than losing their lifeline bus service.

Borough councillors Christine James and Ryan Hope feel there has been a noticeable withdrawal of certain services that were previously well fed since the scheme was introduced in 2007.

The councillors said that although on the surface the scheme appeared to be a success, it had a knock-on effect which meant local routes suffered as the fares which previously were taken were no longer a source of income.

Many residents have been left without vital bus links, including people in Souhtill who campaigned to get the service reinstated.

Cllr Christine James said: "We are aiming for it to get looked at again because since its introduction it has caused quite a few problems and the bus companies are not making enough money."

Cllr Ryan Hope said: "Southill doesn't have a regular bus service, it only has a very limited one.

"We are in constant contact with First and the reason most of the ropes are being cut is because they are not sustainable.

"We get so many phone calls about the lack of bus routes in Southill and it is something we need to address.

"Residents have said they would rather pay towards a bus service and have one rather than not pay and not have one.

"The elderly are becoming very isolated especially, and cannot get to doctor and hospital appointments."

They are suggesting that concessionary holders pay half fare, that this money be ring fenced for extra services where needed and there is a possibility of reducing those who receive concessions.

The notice of motion states the original calculations for the reimbursement of local authorities did not take into account seaside towns like Weymouth that would attract extra visitors who would then be subsidised locally.

The scheme was originally funded by the borough council but was taken over by Dorset County Council in 2010.

The matter will be discussed at the full council meeting on Thursday, February 26 at 7pm at Weymouth Pavilion Ocean Room.

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