THOUSANDS of vulnerable Fifers who rely on a discount taxi scheme to do shopping, get to the doctors or visit friends have learned the local authority is to scrap much of the provision.

In a bid to save £535,000, Fife Council is phasing out its taxi card concession facility - a scheme widely used by the elderly and disabled to get around the Kingdom at low cost thanks to money-off vouchers.

Users will instead be encouraged to utilise the council's free Ring and Ride service, which operates buses to transport users who book in advance of a journey.

The phased cessation was agreed at February's budget meeting - proposed by the ruling Labour administration - and on Thursday the finite details of the agreement were to be discussed by councillors.

But as arrangements were being made for the two-year roll out - which sees users' taxi vouchers halved in the first year - concerns were rising.

Helen Burnett (81), of Kirkcaldy, a taxi scheme user, believes the decision will take away many people's independence, particularly those who are physically unable to use buses.

The long-standing resident suffers ill-health, due to lung problems, and is unable to use public transport.

Housebound

She said: "I'm fortunate, I would be able to stretch my money and pay full-price for a taxi, but there are others who simply would not be able to. It is a huge problem for so many people to get on a bus.

"Without the use of a taxi I would be housebound. I simply do not think this decision is fair."

In the Kirkcaldy and Levenmouth area there are approximately 9835 people using the taxi scheme and only 3122 choosing the Ring and Ride service.

Ring and Ride operates by booking as much as two days in advance of a trip and is subject to availability.

SNP councillor David Torrance, in opposition to the scheme, argues this prevents vulnerable people from getting transport for spontaneous decisions, such as a last-minute outing.

But council officials are urging taxi scheme fans to give the bus service a try, arguing it is heavily praised by users.

Transportation boss Bob McLellan said: "I would urge people to give the service a try and make their minds up. I suspect the vast majority will want to use it again.

"I do understand why people are concerned about the changes, but they should give it a go."

Mr McLellan admitted he had already received concerns from taxi drivers who were worried about a loss of trade.

The taxi card concession scheme will only be phased out in areas where Ring and Ride is in place.

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