New legislation will allow men to qualify for concessionary travel five years younger.

Until now, men had to wait until they were 65 to qualify, five years longer than their female counterparts.

But from April 1 men who have reached their 60th birthday will be entitled to reduced fares.

In Swindon, there are now three options available for permanent residents of the borough.

The first is a half fare bus pass, which gives half price travel on both single and return fares on local buses into and from Swindon and Wiltshire.

The second is a tripcard providing £40 a year worth of free travel on both Thamesdown Transport and Stagecoach in Swindon buses within the borough of Swindon.

However, neither of the bus travel options can be used before 9am on Mondays to Fridays.

Finally, a new rail voucher can be exchanged at Swindon railway station for senior railcard, which gives one third off the price of most rail fares.

North Wiltshire District Council has also introduced the new Concessionary Fares scheme for men aged 60 plus to bus services, some train journeys and taxis.

Councillor Keith Small (Lab-Western) said: "This is good news for a considerable number of men. I welcome the extension of concessionary fares to males of this age group, and as I qualify I will be choosing one of the options myself."

The Government yesterday, announced the provision of an extra £50 million to local authorities across the country in order to help them meet the costs of equalising the age of entitlement. More than one million men will across the country will for the first time, enjoy cheaper travel from the age of 60.

Transport Minister John Spellar said: "This is very good news for a great number of older men. Bus services are a vital means of linking communities and tackling the problem of social exclusion."

"Our customer satisfaction surveys show that 80 per cent of passengers are satisfied with their journey, so I hope men who can now get cheap fares will use the bus more often or even try it for the first time."

Anyone who thinks they are eligible for the Swindon borough can find more details by calling Premier House on Swindon 463933 or by visiting the website at www.swindon.gov.uk/concessionarytravel

Those in North Wiltshire District Council can obtain an application form from any Post Office or call the scheme helpline on 0845 6010487.

The deadline for last applications is December 27.