PENSIONERS are celebrating a major U-turn by bus operator First Southampton after the cost of some journeys doubled.

The company is to launch a new OAP ticket following months of negotiations with the city council.

First Southampton had attracted widespread criticism for changing its network and axing services.

It was a decision which sparked the Daily Echo's Bus Watch campaign to highlight the plight of passengers.

The loss of several routes meant many pensioners had to pay for two journeys instead of one to get across the city.

Now the firm is introducing a daily multi-journey OAP ticket, which will be available from next Monday.

Residents who qualify for Southampton OAP concessionary travel can buy the new 50p ticket from 9.30am to 4.30pm from Sunday to Friday.

Customers can travel during those hours up to four journeys in any one day within the city boundaries.

The new ticket is in addition to the special OAP dayrover and dayrider tickets, launched seven years ago.

First Southampton area director Archie Parsons said: "Following the network changes in September, most of our OAP customers now have the opportunity to make additional through journeys.

"However, a small minority of OAPs have found themselves having to make two journeys rather than one to get to their destination.

"We are delighted to launch a new ticket which we sincerely hope will allow them to travel freely within the city.

"This is just one step in a whole series of improvements we are making to Southampton's public transport."

City transport chief Councillor Richard Williams said: "I have been working on this point on behalf of senior citizens for a few months now.

"I am delighted that First Southampton has decided to make this important step forward in ensuring that public transport is available to all sectors of the community."