FOR technically-minded consumers, the Park & Ride fare of £1.80 return works out at about 45 pence per mile.

If cycling, it would take about five minutes a mile, so at Park & Ride rates it would pay you to cycle at £5.40 per hour.

On the other hand, try comparing it with flying to Australia at a cost of £600 return for the 20,000 miles return trip, at a cost of 3 pence per mile. The Park & Ride is certainly taking someone for a ride at 15 times the cost of flying, without drinks or meals provided.

Colin Clarke,

The Crescent,

Stamford Bridge, York.

Updated: 11:30 Wednesday, June 26, 2002