Transferring custom after bus company fare increase

I AM writing in regards to the appalling increase in bus fares.

Arriva said 'the single fare has been kept as low as possible'. Why is it, then, that Midland Classic can keep its prices down and Arriva can't?

We are all aware of the increase in the price of fuel, but this doesn't make much sense.

We live on a busy bus route in the Stapenhill area, with a bus every 10 minutes. There are many occasions when there are only a couple of people travelling on this service, and two buses have been known to arrive together.

It is my opinion that there are too many buses on this route and would be better served in other areas where they are most needed. No wonder the price needs to go up if there are hardly any passengers travelling.

Also, on many occasions, they have missed a couple of buses, one after the other, because they are short staffed.

You only have to look at the timetables to know where the mistakes are being made - it's not rocket science!

I totally agree with Councillor Ali Chaudhry's comments made in the Burton Mail on July 23 and the service - or lack of - which Arriva provides in the Anglesey area.

The problems started when the timetables changed in the beginning. We are being penalised and asked to pay more for a failed bus service and unreliability on behalf of Arriva.

After the price increase, I will have no hesitation in transferring my custom to Midland Classic, a more reasonable and reliable service. I'm sure other people will follow.

Robert King,

Address supplied