TRANSPORT chiefs in Greater Manchester have agreed to increase the number of Travel Vouchers available to people who cannot use bus services.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority introduced the Travel Voucher Scheme across the whole county in 1995.

The scheme allows people who are physically unable to use buses to buy taxi travel at a discounted rate.

Chairman of the Authority's Policy Committee, Cllr Stan Skinkis explained: "We want to make sure that everyone in Greater Manchester has the freedom to travel. Not everyone can use buses, so four years ago we introduced Travel Vouchers.

"People who qualify can now buy taxi travel at a discounted rate. Since the scheme started users have been able to buy up to £90 worth of taxi travel a year for £30.

"Many people find this is more than enough to meet their needs, but we are aware that a large number of other users would like to be able to travel more."

"Starting on Thursday , we will be increasing the allowance per person to £105 worth of taxi travel for £35 a year."

Cllr Skinkis said: "This move increases the usefulness of the scheme to users. The Authority is determined to do all in its power to make sure that all residents of Greater Manchester have the freedom to travel where they need to and this scheme is part of our commitment to that principle." TRANSPORT chiefs in Greater Manchester have agreed to increase the number of Travel Vouchers available to people who cannot use bus services.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority introduced the Travel Voucher Scheme across the whole county in 1995.

The scheme allows people who are physically unable to use buses to buy taxi travel at a discounted rate.

Chairman of the Authority's Policy Committee, Cllr Stan Skinkis explained: "We want to make sure that everyone in Greater Manchester has the freedom to travel. Not everyone can use buses, so four years ago we introduced Travel Vouchers.

"People who qualify can now buy taxi travel at a discounted rate. Since the scheme started users have been able to buy up to £90 worth of taxi travel a year for £30.

"Many people find this is more than enough to meet their needs, but we are aware that a large number of other users would like to be able to travel more."

"Starting on Thursday, we will be increasing the allowance per person to £105 worth of taxi travel for £35 a year."

Cllr Skinkis said: "This move increases the usefulness of the scheme to users. The Authority is determined to do all in its power to make sure that all residents of Greater Manchester have the freedom to travel where they need to and this scheme is part of our commitment to that principle."

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