Dial-a-ride services for anyone over 70

The dial-a-ride scheme in Cannock Chase could be extended to more people. Ruling councillors will consider an increase in the service at the August meeting of the district council's cabinet.

If the ruling group gives the go-ahead then the service, which currently allows only disabled people to travel free in the district, will be extended to anyone aged over 70. The dial-a-ride was launched after the council scrapped its travel tokens scheme to save more than £540,000 over the next three years.

Under the old scheme, residents could obtain travel tokens for taxis worth £53. Under the dial-a-ride service, disabled residents can book a journey anywhere in the district and surrounding areas as many times as they like over a six-day week, as long as they book a day in advance.

Councillor Tony Williams, cabinet member responsible for the service, said the amount of people using the dial-a-ride, run by Shire Travel, meant there was extra capacity to accommodate other users.

"I have always said the dial-a-ride scheme would be reviewed after six months and that is what we have done.

"We have looked at the usage figures which suggest we can offer it to another band of people.

"This will mean more residents in Cannock Chase can benefit from it. The people already using dial-a-ride love the service."

Councillor Williams added: "A report will be going to cabinet in August for them to consider extending it.

Scrapping the travel tokens earlier this year sparked anger from opposition Labour councillors, who accused the district council of abandoning pensioners not eligible for the dial-a-ride.