HAVING just paid £1.95 for a bus journey that only a few days ago cost £1.60, I realise that public transport has no realistic future in the city of York.

I sincerely hope that after this 20 per cent - well above the level of inflation - price rise our bus drivers are going to get pay parity with their colleagues in Leeds.

If not I feel that Brian Asquith should explain to City of York Council just why he is trying to drive people back into their cars.

Soon his buses will only be carrying subsidised passengers.

I must say that I bitterly resent paying these inflated fares to a company that treats its staff so unfairly and seemingly has no interest in them or the customers.

I should also like to apologise to the driver who told me the fare was £1.95 - I was so shocked that I simply didn't believe him.

Dr Richard Greaves,

Morehall Close,

York.

...I READ with interest and a little scepticism about the wonderful new fleet of buses which the humble passengers of First York are about to get (August 2).

I am sure everyone will await their arrival with eager anticipation.

It is to be hoped, however, that we will not wait as long as we do at present, and that the service improves accordingly.

I had reason to complain recently that in one week Bishopthorpe had at least three buses cancelled altogether.

This is not an unusual occurrence, as anyone in Bishopthorpe and South Bank can confirm, and on race days we are privileged to see a bus at all.

We have the most abysmal service in York and the attitude to complaints is cavalier to say the least.

I spoke to one woman who had phoned to complain and received the fatuous remark that we didn't need a regular service anyway because everyone in Bishopthorpe had a car.

Now, to add insult to injury, First York increased fares yet again on August 6 when our return trip went up a massive 45p to £2.25.

How this can be justified is anyone's guess.

No doubt they will blame drivers for wanting a pay rise.

The response to my letter was a lot of flannel and a £2 Day Rover voucher (oh the excitement) hoping it would "restore my faith in the company." My reply is: fat chance!

Mrs P Witlea,

De Grey Place,

Bishopthorpe,

York.

...I READ with interest Mr Asquith's letter (August 1) on the subject of the Park and Ride bus services.

I suggest that he pays a visit to other towns and cities where Park and Ride services operate.

Most of them charge for each car and not for each person.

Secondly, I am not quite sure when the Day Rover ticket was introduced but it was initially £1.50 and is now £2, a rise of I think 33 per cent, hardly in line with inflation.

Mike Usherwood,

Mendip Close,

Huntington,

York.

Updated: 10:18 Friday, August 10, 2001