THE reduced fare travel scheme for elderly and disabled people is in jeopardy after a recent decision by the Post Office to discontinue dealing with individual claims, Tavistock Town Council heard last week.
The Post Office says it cannot manage the different levels of rebate and wants to opt out of the Devon County Council scheme unless a uniform subsidy is found for every parish.
More than 500 annual passes and 170 monthly passes cost the town council £3,339.50 — less rebates — a year.
The county council has suggested the town council could either direct its financial subsidy into alternative public transport projects like the community bus, sell the passes itself or move to a single value in each district council area.
'The administrative work involved with some options would be impossible for a parish council to undertake,' said Roger Howard, town clerk.
Members of the council's finance committee decided they would prefer to continue subsidising annual passes if possible.
'This would enable our people to travel on normal transport when and where they want to,' said Cllr Betty Batchelor.
Cllr Jenny Metcalf said: 'It is a matter of dignity. It is far more dignified than using a certain bus at a certain time.'