Sir, – I would like to reply to the letter (D&S September 19) regarding bus passes as obviously the writer, connected to the National Pensioners Convention, is not aware of the current situation in this area alone.

When these passes were first issued and we paid half fare, there were plenty of buses, then with our passes we all got free bus transport which we all enjoyed.

Then councils throughout the country were told by the present government to save X amounts of money, so in April this year, after a so-called consultation period, we saw quite drastic cuts in bus services with the promise of more cuts to come. Whereas previously in this area of North Yorkshire we could get a bus direct to both doctors' surgeries in Northallerton and the railway station, since the April cuts we have to change buses in Northallerton for one doctors' surgery and the railway station, and patients from the other surgery have to walk from the end of High Street – not a good idea if you are feeling ill, have no transport of your own and can't afford a taxi.

Patients are now missing appointments because of delays in bus times and are having to return another day.

With the onset of winter surely it is now time for all the political parties to unite in finding a solution.

It is no good campaigning for free bus passes to continue, if there are no buses on the roads.

MARY McLOUGHLIN

Brompton, Northallerton.