I READ recently in your newspaper that there has been another reorganisation of local bus services with more cutbacks and, on some routes, a total loss of services.

When the Tories privatised bus services they promised the travelling public (a) more competition (b) lower fares (c) better and more reliable services (d) an end to subsidies.

The taxpayer would no longer finance loss-making services.

By 1997, they had broken all these promises, and we continue to suffer the consequences of this disastrous policy.

Before privatisation, bus services were controlled by a public monopoly. We owned all the assets which had been paid for out of our taxes.

We were the shareholders, profitable routes subsidised unprofitable routes but a basic service was provided.

Privatisation meant that a public monopoly was replaced by a private monopoly. In Worcester's case this was First Bus a Scottish Company whose shares are quoted on the Stock Exchange.

First Bus is not interested in public service. It's only concern is profits to pay their shareholders dividends.

The volume of all this has been (a) higher fares (b) no competition (c) fewer services and bus services increasingly reliant on subsidy.

Without subsidy from local and central government 90 per cent of the existing services would be lost. Taxpayers are now filling the coffers of First Buses profits.

Renationalisation is the only way forward can I suggest.

A JOHNSON,

Worcester.