Joy at train fares move

OAPs will be able to travel for half-price on trains from Sunday, while the disabled can ride for free at all times.

Free train passes were scrapped at the start of April, but Sheffield City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee voted to partially restore the concessions at a meeting last month after weeks of protests by unhappy passengers.

Despite the move, members of Barnsley Retirees Action Group are organising another “freedom ride” protest on Monday as they push for a full reinstatement of free travel.

The Tour de South Yorkshire will involve services from Rotherham rail station at 11.27am, Doncaster at 11.03am, Mexborough at 11.15am and Sheffield at 11.24am.

Following reports that Yorkshire councils would be paying £6.5m to race organisers, Dave Gibson, a BRAG member, said: “We are not against the Tour de France, but who decided that a bike race should be a priority when councils are making savage cuts to services?

“The costs will fall on ordinary people in terms of reduced services whereas the profits will largely be to local businesses.”

More information about concessionary travel in South Yorkshire can be found at travelsouthy orkshire.com.