THE controversial decision to axe just before Christmas a cheap bus fare scheme that was used by scores of pensioners is set to be reversed.

OAP support groups had hit out at the timing of the move and the lack of consultation by operators First when it withdrew its four-journey-a-day tickets in Southampton.

It will now be brought back to ensure older people can get access to hospitals after a series of talks between the company and city council transport chiefs.

The announcement is part of a happy hat-trick for bus users, with the night bus service set to be extended to Eastleigh and more routes laid on for the outskirts of the city.

Councillor Richard Williams, Cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "I received a lot of representations from members of the public after the announcement about the four-journey-a-day tickets, asking if there was anything we could do about it.

"We have had a number of discussions with First to resolve the matter, specifically the concerns relating to access to hospitals.

"We now hope that from the beginning of April there will be a four-journey hospital day-rider ticket available."

It will mean the return of cheap access to Southampton General Hospital, the Royal South Hants Hospital and Moorgreen Hospital in West End.

Journeys to and from one of the hospitals will have to be made on the second and third journey of the ticket.

First's original decision to scrap the scheme meant elderly bus users having to pay an extra 40p for the same number of journeys.

The move has been welcomed by Age Concern Southampton.

Chief officer, Sandra Smith, said: "They scrapped it without any warning and the first many people knew about it was when they got on the bus and were told they didn't have enough money for the ticket.

"This does sound promising."

Cllr Williams said: "We have not resolved this in detail, but in principle we have.

"Both parties have worked quite hard to sort this out and negotiations have been very positive."

Older people at Brownhill House Day Centre in Lordshill gave the thumbs up.

Stanley Willis, 80, said: "It's a really good thing they've brought it back."

Dorothy Rose, 83, said: "I know a lot of people who use buses and everyone will be pleased."

A £750,000 bus boost will also be delivered to residents on the outskirts of Southampton from the summer who are suffering from a lack of services.

The government-funded routes, which will serve areas like Northam, Millbrook, Thornhill and Shirley, will travel into the city centre so people have access to health services and employment.

City council chiefs secured the three-year funding package from the government as part of the Urban Bus Challenge initiative.

The announcements were made at a meeting of the Southampton Bus Users Group.

Transport chiefs also revealed Southampton's late-night bus service for weekend drinkers is set to be extended to Eastleigh following its success.

About 400 people are using the routes to get to their homes on the city's outskirts in the early hours of Fridays and Sundays after it was launched just over a year ago.

Talks are now under way between the city council and Eastleigh Borough Council for services from Southampton to the town and to areas like Chandler's Ford and Hedge End.