BUS fare concessions for schoolchildren and pensioners are to change from April 3.

Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA), which is in charge of the region’s public transport, has taken the decision to scrap some concessions because of budget cuts.

But decision makers said they “had no choice” because the cash-strapped member councils of GMITA had to reduce the levy they paid to the organisation due to Government- enforced cutbacks.

The changes will affect young people aged five to 16 and students who use a GMPTE pass to travel to and from college, as well as some disabled people and passengers aged over 60 travelling before 9.30am on weekdays.

Youngsters pay a flat fare of 80p but that will change to half the normal adult fare for the journey being made.

People aged over 60 will continue to travel free on buses after 9.30am on weekdays under the national concessionary scheme but, from April 3, will have to pay a full adult fare when travelling before 9.30am on weekdays.

In 2011/12, the 10 councils across Greater Manchester will pay a levy of £184.6 million, slightly down on the current contribution.