Competition can often be a good thing but in the case of York's tour buses I wonder if it has gone too far.

If the four operators were to recognise each others tickets, users could benefit from a fourfold increase in frequency.

If half of the buses were then withdrawn there could still be a doubling in frequency coupled with reduced fares for the users, increased profit margins for the operators, less vehicles on the roads and less pollution in the city centre. All of this is achievable without a single extra user being attracted.

I realise it would lead to less staff being required but, since First York is currently advertising for drivers, it could also lead to more reliable local buses.

R H Parker,

Shipton Road,

York.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.