Seniors in the Halifax area will get to ride the bus for free on Tuesdays for several more months after the city decided Thursday to extend the program.

CBC News has learned the pilot program has been extended while staff and council ponder its future.

It's a service Joyce Berry and her friends in the Dartmouth Senior's Service Centre choir depend on.

"Well, we got to different appointments, or visiting, or shopping. Wherever we can go and get a free drive," she said.

The free rides began in early September.

"A lot of people don't have a lot of money," said Hugh Webber who wanted the program to continue. "If they can get a free bus to the doctor, that would be good."

"I think it's great," said Melissa O'Connor. "I don't know why they even have to consider it. It just makes a lot of sense and especially this time of year."

Metro Transit officials will likely take three months to prepare a report for council on the program before they decide if it will be offered permanently.