First York says Metro is a "simple, frequent, reliable bus service", based on "underground-type networks". In reply I say:

n Travel on underground railways isn't "simple". Ask any visitor to London. Metro's basic assumption is wrong. Looking at the Metro map proves the point.

n With regard to 'frequent', Metro reduces bus frequency, I now have fairly easy access to 12 buses an hour to the city - fortunate maybe, but true. Metro reduces this by one third. From the Woodthorpe/Acomb Wood area, passengers now have four buses an hour to the city. Metro gives them two an hour. If a bus fails to run (a common experience), three buses an hour becomes just one every hour.

- On 'reliability' First York has no proven ability to run a reliable service. If it thinks its Metro change will magically improve things, it won't!

- In 'planning the routes', First York has omitted the all-important 'passenger convenience' factor. From Foxwood, there are now four buses an hour to the Theatre Royal and hospital. Metro reduces this to two an hour and takes ten minutes longer!

From Woodthorpe and Acomb Wood, there will be no buses to the city's shops. Passengers must walk to and from Station Avenue/Station Road or the Theatre Royal, or waste time changing buses.

Is any of this 'the very best in service quality' First York claims? The results of their 'months of careful planning and liaison' are a not-unexpected disappointment.

For this area of York, Metro severely degrades the current service.

John Ibbott,

Tedder Road,

Acomb, York.

Updated: 10:41 Thursday, September 06, 2001