Senior citizens entitled to a free bus pass should be allowed to pay for the privilege if they can afford it, Surrey County Council’s leader has suggested.

David Hodge wants to introduce the option to help make savings on the bus passes, which cost the council about £4 million a year.

He produced his own bus pass at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, June 26, as he spoke of his idea.

Addressing cabinet members while holding the pass, he said: “I actually do think that people who can afford to pay a three-yearly charge of about £80 for this pass we should be allowed to introduce this at a local level.

“I say that because it’s really important that we protect rural bus services. As finances get tighter and tighter, it’s always the ones out in the country that may see their service disappear.

“I personally would never like to see a service disappear and I think it’s a small price to pay.”

He then showed his senior citizen rail card that he paid £80 for adding: “Why can’t I be able to pay the county council £80 for one of these?

“I would suggest that the majority of people my age in Surrey can afford to pay for one of these.

“But we should also have a system that protects those who can’t afford them.”

Residents must be over the pensionable age of a woman in order to qualify for a free bus pass. At the moment that is 65, but the State Pension age will increase to 67 between 2034 and 2036; and 68 between 2044 and 2046.

The comments came as members voted through a re-tendering for the contracts of the bus services across the county.

While some services will remain the same, there will be changes to a number of routes around the county.

The changes are part of a renewal of contracts between Surrey County Council and bus operators.

There are 185 bus services operation in Surrey and SCC provides financial support to around 75 per cent.

Under new proposals and changes to the routes it is estimate the council will make a saving of £0.125m.

A fleet of six environmentally friendly vehicles will also be introduced.