AS from April 1, OAPs have to pay half price fares on all buses. It is 87p single from Finstall to Bromsgrove and £1.30 for a return. This will be applicable until April 30 when the new bus pass concessions are expected to be implemented.

These, I am told, will be £1.20 per single fare and £1.85 per return journey. Any journey costing more than £2.40 will be half price.

Considering a bus journey from Finstall to Bromsgrove is £1.55 single, minus the £1.20 concession, we pay the balance of 35p. A return journey of the same is £2.55 - £1.30 return.

I do not consider this to be free. Even if the £1.85 for a return was taken from £2.55 it would still be a fare to pay which would be 70p. I believe there are not many OAPs who come into the £1.20 single fare category or £1.85 return category.

Previously, we enjoyed free travel to Bromsgrove, Redditch, and, of course, the Alexandra Hospital, all of which we have now lost.

Mrs Mould,

Penmanor,

Finstall,

Bromsgrove.