SIR – I write to support the content of Ray Wilkes’s letter (T&A, August 30), which comments on a Campaign For Better Transport study that lists Bradford as one of the most car-dependent cities in the UK.

First, as the principal local bus company, is working hard with its partners at the local authorities to find new ways of encouraging people to use the bus instead of the car.

The T&A has already reported on First’s partnership plan to bring impressive Streetcar vehicles to Service 72 Bradford-Leeds in October. First is launching the new service as part of a long-term project with WYITA, Metro and Leeds and Bradford councils to help deliver key local policy objectives, including economic growth and contributing towards the air quality agenda.

And I am pleased to announce that in the past couple of weeks First has begun to ‘refresh’ its Bradford bus network. Customers who travel on the 617-618 service between Allerton and Holme Wood will notice rebranded buses in a new localised livery. This will be followed by other Bradford routes in the near future as part of our plans to boost passenger numbers and improve service delivery standards. This will include some new buses, the latest in terms of efficiency and being environmentally-friendly.

Our staff play a key part in the local community and in recent weeks our staff charity and sponsorship committee has donated money to the Bradford branch of Marie Curie Cancer Care .

We will continue to play an integral part in the local Bradford community as we attempt to encourage more people to travel by bus rather than the car.

Duncan McGraw, First UK Bus PR Manager