SIR - The proposal to axe the well-used 846 bus service makes little sense and it is simply wrong to attribute the problems to pensioners now travelling free after 9.30am.

Cheap travel by bus and train for pensioners was introduced to give operators more money, not less. If elderly people had to pay the high fares for public transport the buses and trains would be nearly empty outside the peak times.

With pensioners travelling free and their fares being paid from taxes, the bus companies should receive more money. If they are not, it is the fault of the Government or the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive.

Points in favour of the 846 include:

  • No other bus service from North Bradford goes nearer to Bradford Forster Square and Shipley stations.
  • It is the only bus from North Bradford to go to John Street shopping area - doubly important since few shops remain in the lower part of the city.
  • It is a lifeline for shoppers of all ages who live in the hilly estates such as Ashbourne and Low Ash.
  • It is rare to see an 846 without any passengers at all.
Derek R Crabtree, Norman Lane, Bradford