Mr Edwards claims (Letters, January 2) that another rise in bus fares will, indirectly, lead to "less time waiting at bus stops waiting for somebody to pay with a £20 note." I have several responses to this statement.

Firstly, if First continue to raise prices as frequently as they have recently this will be because we won't be receiving change from a £20 note.

Secondly, I happened to be boarding a bus a few weeks ago behind a pair of young teenage girls, who were trying to pay with a £10 note between them. I say 'trying' because the driver would not allow them to board saying he couldn't supply change.

This I find disgraceful but unsurprising. I've even been stopped from riding a First bus on occasion because I had only a £5 note.

Thirdly, Mr Edwards has certainly got his ideas of a punctual service confused if he thinks delays will be reduced by people buying tickets in advance; it is not uncommon to wait an average of 15 to 20 minutes extra for the number 11 in Bishopthorpe. Having lived in Japan, where punctuality is to the second, this requires some work. Perhaps the fare increases would be less resented if the quality of service increased with them.

Tamsin Beetham,

Lang Road,

Bishopthorpe,

York.

Updated: 09:01 Thursday, January 05, 2006