TREASURY minister Ruth Kelly has welcomed half price coach travel for pensioners and disabled people.

The Labour MP for Bolton West urges all coach companies to sign up to the scheme which comes into effect from May 1.

The cheaper fares will be similar to the travel concessions pensioners and disabled people already get on local buses.

Under the new government scheme, coach companies agreeing to offer half fare concessions will receive a government grant to cover their costs. The scheme covers journeys across England and Wales. National Express, the biggest operator of scheduled services in the country, will be involved from the start alongside smaller companies such as Berrys and Baker Dolphin.

Ms Kelly said: "This announcement will be welcomed by pensioners and disabled people throughout Bolton West."