PROBLEMS with the free bus pass system for senior citizens came under the spotlight at a meeting in Okehampton recently.

At a recent Okehampton District Senior Council meeting, held on February 10, the issue on public transport was brought to the forefront.

Member of the council Joan Ward said: 'The problem lies with our free bus passes.

'The passes are free to use after 9.30am but if someone has to get to an appointment and the bus turns up at 9.15am, we have to pay full fare.'

'Some of the elderly live in remote rural areas and have carers who also have to pay the full fare. If the journey is of some distance, it works out to be quite an expensive day.'

'What we want is for Devon County Council to alter the time limit, so that people can catch the bus and still use their pass.'

Secretary of the board at Devon County Council Cllr Ken Crawford said: 'On the whole I am pleased there are the free bus passes but there have been a number of problems with the 9.30am bus service.

'When you get to the situation of rural Devon and the bus leaves before 9.30am, it has a massive effect on those who can't use their free passes.'

Cllr Crawford said the problem could not be ignored.

He said: 'We consider it extremely unfair that people are unable to use their pass.

'In Cornwall, commuters can get on a bus at anytime and use their pass. Other councils are doing something about it and so should we.

'District councils don't have unlimited funds and although individual councils are dealing with it, this has to be looked at as a national issue.

'We've contacted national government and have brought this up on three consultations over the last 12 months.

'I want residents in the Okehampton and surrounding areas to be reassured and to know that we are hammering the point to national government and with every opportunity the council gets, we are doing our best to push for change.'