Insult is added to injury once again for the beleaguered public transport users of West Yorkshire with the news not only that the price of a Metro card is to rise next month but also that the present compensation system for the appalling rail service being provided by Arriva Trains Northern is to end.

The cost of bus-only travel cards has already gone up. Now the price of bus-rail cards is to follow. This comes at a time when train services remain a long way from satisfactory, driving more would-be passengers back on to the roads. That in turn slows down the traffic and affects bus journey times.

At present, it seems, everything is stacked against the commuters when it comes to getting to where they need to be on time and without unnecessary stress. And now they are to be asked to pay more for the privilege.

To be fair, Metro should not be too strongly criticised for pushing ahead with the increase - although it no doubt will be, as passengers seek a target for their wrath. As the Bradford spokesman on the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority, Councillor John Prestage, rightly points out, Metro is funded by public money from the county's various local authorities. As with all public spending, the squeeze is on. However, the timing could not be worse.

As for the Arriva plan to end compensation for some passengers hit by delays and cancellations: that, say rail bosses, is because normal services should have been resumed. Passengers will no doubt believe that when they see it.