HALF price train fares in East Lothian will be scrapped from Monday after East Lothian Council withdrew funding for the subsidy.

The concessionary scheme which provided off-peak reductions for residents aged 60 and over was cut as part of budget savings approved by East Lothian Council in February following public consultation.

The local authority estimates that the withdrawal of the concessions will save over £180,000 a year.

East Lothian residents who use the train regularly are being encouraged to consider at ScotRail railcards, which can provide up to 30 per cent off some fares.

The council included the withdrawal of the cheap train fares as one of 15 options it put before residents in November last year for saving costs as it looked to tighten its budget.

Residents aged 60 or over will still be entitled to free bus travel, while the taxicard scheme, which provides discounted taxi travel for those eligible who are unable to use public bus services, continues.

Brian Sloan, chief executive of Age Scotland, said the decision to withdraw the subsidy was “disappointing”.

He said: “It’s disappointing that East Lothian Council has chosen to cut its subsidies for rail travel. This could discourage older people on low incomes from getting out and accessing services, and even contribute to social isolation.

“We hope the council has carefully assessed the impact and makes sure that alternative public transport options are available.”

The council says the changes mean “the council is maintaining an appropriate concessionary travel scheme for local residents in a challenging financial climate”.

It pointed out that the concessionary rail scheme had never been a statutory requirement.