COUNCIL bosses have admitted some people have been left worse off by a scheme to provide free bus travel for pensioners.

Over 60s and disabled people have been entitled to travel free nationwide bus travel everyday after 9.30am since April 1.

But that means bus users who had travelled for free early in the morning are now being charged.

Those affected include people visiting relatives or friends in hospital or those living in rural areas where bus services are more infrequent.

The previous model used in Lancashire allowed free bus travel for elderly and disabled passengers inside each individual boroughs at all times.

The only cost incurred was 50p when a journey crossed a borough boundary.

Lancashire County Council is managing the new scheme on behalf of borough councils.

County councillor Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for transport, said there had been the option of extending the free period throughout the day but council leaders had feared the costs could go beyond the £19million given out by the government to fund the scheme.

He said: "The decision was taken by the leaders of the district councils, who decided to stick to the minimum because of uncertainty as to how much the service was used.

"Previously it was offered for free throughout the day, with a 50p charge if you went into another borough.

"All we are doing is administer it to the extend they all want us to.

"I can understand there is a section of people who will be a bit put out and puzzled by this. It's affecting, for example, people who are disabled but still work.

"The other issue is around people with hospital and doctors' appointments in the morning."

Burnley council leader Gordon Birtwistle said: "It was a decision taken by the council leaders, but we had pooled all our resources so we had to go with the majority."

Julie Jordan, Age Concern divisional manager for East Lancashire, said she welcomed the concessionary fares scheme.

She added: "Free travel at any time would be ideal for older people. They have hospital appointments around when the off-peak times are. The worst thing is when the bus comes at 9.20am and they have to pay to get on.

"It would be nice if drivers used some discretion but they are just doing their jobs."