I WOULD like to issue a challenge to John Fletcher and Brian Asquith at First York.

If the new Metro system has exceeded their expectations, then why don't they use it? I defy them both to use Metro for one full week to get to and from work. Go on - leave your cars at home!

I'd also like to see Mr Fletcher and Mr Asquith driving buses for a week or two. That way they might obtain a better appreciation of what it is like to work for First York. It might also alter their cavalier attitude towards complaints from the public.

Will Mr Asquith and Mr Fletcher be looking forward to large pay rises next year? If so I expect those hikes in school bus fares might go a long way to paying for them. Or might they forego a rise next year as punishment for daring to actually invest in the network this year?

As always, First York remain the Last Resort.

Dr R. Greaves,

Morehall Close, York.

...I'M really annoyed with the bus fares going up on school buses. I am a pupil at Huntington School in year 11 and on Monday morning I got on to my school bus with the usual amount of money - 80p return - only to be told the prices have gone up to £1.20 single or the same for a return. I asked if that was an adult ticket and I was told it was a child's fare.

I was disgusted that other children, some as young as 11, had to pay £1.20 to get to school from any bus stop on the route. I asked around on the bus and even pupils who got on the bus at Dodsworth Avenue had to pay this ridiculous price.

I hope this letter will bring to the attention of City of York Council and First York the fact that children are paying £1.20 to go to school to be educated.

Emma Walton,

Allington Drive,

Appletree Village, York.

Updated: 12:19 Wednesday, September 26, 2001