FREE bus transport could be on the cards for elderly and infirm residents in the Malvern Hills district.

Malvern Hills District Council has launched a major investigation into the possibility of slashing bus fares by a third or a quarter, or even making them free, for elderly and infirm residents.

At the same time, the council's overview and scrutiny committee, which is launching the in-depth review, will examine ways of boosting existing transport schemes.

At present, the authority issues the elderly and some disabled people living in the district with bus passes entitling them to half fares on single and return journeys in the county and adjoining counties.

However, council bosses say more needs to be done to help them.

"Residents of a large rural area like Malvern Hills can be at a real disadvantage if they have a restricted income and have to rely totally on public transport to get about," said Councillor Tom Wells, leader of the council.

"There is a real risk anyone trapped in their own home may eventually start suffering from ill health and become lonely and excluded from the mainstream of society.

"It is vitally important that their quality of life does not suffer in this way simply because they cannot get out enough."

As part of the review, the Older People's Forum, Community First and Worcestershire County Council's transport section are also being asked for their views.

Information will also be sought from bus companies serving the district.

Council members are also planning to seek data about the most heavily used local bus routes by studying surveys carried out two years ago, just before and just after the existing concessionary fares system was introduced.

When the current investigation has been completed, the overview and scrutiny committee will decide what action it should recommend to the executive committee and the full council.

Last week, the Evening News reported a survey of pensioners by Worcester MP Mike Foster had called for the city council to fund free bus travel.