Benefits from a fairer deal for bus users

THE cutting of rural services (Yorkshire Post, March 23) is a matter of great concern. Fortunately, there is some good news because the popular Sunday Dalesbus services will be running this summer, despite having its funding cut by North Yorkshire County Council.

In addition, some core bus routes are being improved. Service 36 Leeds to Ripon will be improved to every 15 minutes in the daytime and some West Yorkshire bus routes will have improved daytime, early evening and Sunday services.

However, most of the improvements are to services which are already good and something needs to be done for less well used services. Plane and train users do not pay fuel duty. If bus users were treated the same, many marginal bus services would be helped. If bus companies were fully compensated for the free concessionary travel, many rural services would be saved or even improved.

Many busy services have to use extra buses because of congestion and better bus priority would give bus companies efficiency savings which would release buses for less busy services.

A fair deal for bus users would make buses more attractive and help to reduce congestion, air pollution and oil dependency. Many city motorists could immediately cut their travel costs by buying a bus annual season ticket.