Bus firms demand £15m to carry kids

Feb 7 2007 By Ben Hurst, Birmingham Mail

MIDLANDS taxpayers could face a £15 million bombshell this year because bus operators are demanding more cash to carry children, the disabled and pensioners.

Public transport coordinator Centro-PTA still doesn't know the Government's decision on the issue.

If the the demand is approved, it would mean other services and improvements could be slashed, and in future years big council tax rises.

Centro-PTA, which is publicly funded, pays for all concessionary fares on the network, meaning that every time someone shows their pass, it is logged and a fee transferred.

The bus operators have requested more money - which could even be back-dated to last April - meaning an additional £7.5 million, as well as having to fork out the same amount for the next 12 months from the existing budget.

A report which went to the Passenger Transport Authority said: "Operators have submitted their case for reimbursement to the Secretary of State requesting increased payments which in a worst case scenario could cost a further £7.5 million per annum in 2007/8."

Centro-PTA treasurer Trevor Robinson said: "We still do not know what the answer is."