The elderly and disabled in Pembrokeshire are being reminded to use their Smartcard to travel free on local bus services throughout Wales.

Most buses have now been equipped with a special reader on the ticket machine through which the Smartcard must be registered.

To do this users just place the card on, or directly over, the ticket machine.

The Smartcard was introduced as a new form of travel pass for senior citizens and the disabled in April of last year under the Concessionary Fare Scheme funded by the National Assembly.

Under the arrangements, Pembrokeshire County Council joined with the local authorities of Carmarthenshire, Neath/Port Talbot and the City and County of Swansea to form the South West Wales Integrated Transport Consortium (SWWITCH).

Pembrokeshire County Councillor Brian Hall, Cabinet member with responsibility for Environment and Transportation, said the scheme was proving a great success.

"However, some users are not bringing their Smartcards with them when they travel on local buses because they know the driver," he added.

"With the installation of the special ticket machines, they must produce their Smartcards. The driver will explain how to swipe the card."

Those entitled to a SWWITCH Smartcard can collect an application form from the Post Office.