SIR: N Bamford is justified in claiming that local bus fares are the highest in the country (Viewpoint, May 13). When buses were deregulated 10 years ago, we were promised lower fares and better services and we have got neither.

The Labour Party, which may shortly be in a position to restore some sanity to bus operation, has not yet published its transport policy. My fear is that the party will capitulate to the demands of the Passenger Transport Confederation who are opposed to any regulation and are content to continue with the present on-road competition which is wasteful, polluting and expensive.

Allan Horsfall

Chairman

The Bus Users Society

Department 50

1 Newton Street

Manchester M1 1HW

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.