BUS passengers are being urged to register their protest against an increase in concessionary fares.

Otley Town Councillor John Eveleigh has attacked a new rise in ticket prices which will affect older and disabled public transport users.

The West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority (Metro) has approved a 5p increase for concessionary fare passengers (to 35p) that will come into effect in April.

But the move also includes lifting an afternoon peak time restriction which means permit holders will be able to travel at concessionary rates throughout the day (after 9.30am).

Coun Eveleigh, however, whilst welcoming the ending of the time restriction, fears the ticket increase could be the 'thin end of the wedge'.

He said: "Metro has always been keen to allow older people and disabled people to use services at a heavily subsidised rate.

"When Labour ran the authority it was always regarded as a matter priority to keep fares down for this section of the community.

"5p doesn't sound much, but this is an additional 5p per journey, and, on the whole, we are talking about a group of people who rely on bus services and haven't got other means of transport.'

Coun Eveleigh, who is also Chairman of Otley Action for Older People, says the rise is effectively the first act of the new Conservative/Liberal Democrat alliance which now controls Metro.

He said: "I think that it is highly regrettable that they should choose to single out this section of our community, and my fear is that this will be the first of many rises in concessionary fares."

Fellow Labour Town Councillor Gerald McGowan (Lab Manor) echoed those sentiments.

He said: "At a time when we should be attempting to encourage more people to use public transport what is effectively a 12.5 per cent increase cannot be justified.

"Many of the people that we represent do rely on the bus and, to a lesser degree, the train to keep active in the community. And although people will say 'well it's only 5p' this is a warning shot, the Tories and the Lib Dems clearly see that this is an area where they can reduce costs.'

Metro, however, says the move is a positive step for older and disabled passengers - as they can now enjoy concessionary rates virtually all day.

Currently, holders of concessionary fare permits have been able to travel anywhere in West Yorkshire for 30p after 9.30am on weekdays, but have had to pay the standard half-fare rate between 3pm and 6pm.

Metro Chairman and Bradford District Councillor Stanley King (Con, Heaton) said: "Metro is committed to ensuring everyone has access to the public transport network and currently provides a concessionary fare for West Yorkshire which is less than the Government's set minimum of half-fares, and very popular.

"I am confident a 35p maximum fare offers card holders real value for money and with the lifting of the afternoon time restrictions, that value is increased.

"Metro's concessionary fare is the lowest in the country and it is of course now available to more people since the qualification age for men has been lowered from 65 to 60.

"Ideally we would like to see free travel for permit holders, but unless funding for free travel is provided through Government grant, it will never be affordable."

Coun King added that providing concessionary fares for West Yorkshire pensioners costs around £13 million each year, and if free travel was introduced it would cost Metro around £22 million.

Without additional money from the Government, he claims the extra cost would be reflected in higher council tax bills.

Passengers, meanwhile, will be able to give their own views on the changes when a Wharfe Valley Transport Study public consultation is held from 2pm to 8pm at Otley Civic Centre on Tuesday.