TWO MPs have tabled early day motions in the House of Commons calling for free travel for the region's pensioners.

Bolton North East MP David Crausby and Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle want to introduce free off-peak travel on public transport for the elderly -- and also want the concessionary fares scheme to be expanded to cover rail journeys.

Last year Mr Hoyle presented a petition to the House of Commons with over 3,000 local signatures supporting his campaign for free off-peak public transport for all pensioners.

All OAPs are currently entitled to a free pass which allows them a concessionary rate.

However, Mr Hoyle wants more radical steps to be taken.

He said: "As a starter I believe the Government should extend this scheme to cover rail travel giving pensioners the choice between modes of transport.

"Many pensioners are wholly dependent on public transport and travel costs account for a substantial part of their weekly expenditure.

"The introduction of free travel would make a huge improvement for our pensioners and I am sure this would be a welcome initiative across the country."

Mr Crausby believes a "postcode lottery" of allocated travel concessions is hitting hundreds of pensioners in the pocket.

He said some local authorities provided half-fare bus passes, while others offered flat-rate schemes.

Mr Crausby has called for a free nationwide scheme for all pensioners.

He said: "My constituents have concessionary travel, but effectively in only a southerly direction.

"If they lived in the centre of Greater Manchester, they would have concessionary travel in all directions.

"I am aware that the proposals would be expensive, but I shall continue to raise this issue at every opportunity."