AS the Bolton spokesperson for Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, I am writing in response to the letter published concerning low floor buses "Disabled passengers need more low buses", Bolton Evening News, October 3, 2005.

All bus services in Greater Manchester are run by commercial operators who decide which vehicles they use. Our figures show that 44 per cent of the countys buses now have low floors so that they can be easily used by people with wheelchairs and child buggies.

GMPTE is currently working with the bus operators on behalf of the Authority with the aim of increasing that figure to at least 68 per cent by 2008.

Since the start of 2001, the government has stipulated that all new buses must be fully accessible. However, vehicles already in service are not affected by this legislation.

I welcome the progress the bus operators have made so far in providing low floor buses and would like to encourage them to go even further in the future so that as many people as possible can benefit from the services they offer.

The bus timetables produced by GMPTE have detailed information about which services have low floors. Timetables are available in GMPTE Travelshops at bus stations or can be ordered by calling 0161-242 6040. Advice on which services are accessible for disabled people is also available by calling Traveline on 0870 608 2 608.

Councillor Nick Peel

Bolton spokesperson

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority