Scottish Borders Council backs free bus pass age rise

Councillors in the Borders have backed increasing the age at which people are eligible for a free bus pass to the state pension age.

The Scottish government is consulting on changing the qualification criteria.

It could mean people aged 60 and over would not automatically be entitled to free bus travel in Scotland.

Scottish Borders Council backed increasing the age but also wanted to ensure people with disabilities kept getting the pass regardless of age.

However, in neighbouring Dumfries and Galloway the region's transport partnership - Swestrans - has urged no changes to the scheme.

It has said any move to raise the age level could threaten local services.

The consultation on any changes was announced earlier this year.

It could see the scheme - introduced in 2006 - extended to Modern Apprentices and those on Job Grants but it is looking at the "long-term sustainability" of offering all those over 60 free travel.

Current holders of the bus pass will not be affected.