SIR - I caught the bus with my son from Fernhill Heath to Worcester city and was charged £4 return for a journey of just less than three miles.

On further enquiry I have been informed that the cost of a return journey from Birmingham city centre to Worcester is just £4.50. As this distance is eight times as far, I would like to know the reason for the seemingly massive price discrepancy.

Although I am a car owner, I decided to leave the vehicle at home and use a more sustainable form of transport, something we are all encouraged to do. To my further annoyance, the bus arrived 20 minutes late. I believe the price of bus fares and the punctuality of services are the key to encouraging us to leave our cars at home. First Travel is failing on both. Hasn't the deregulation of the bus industry really benefited us all?

LEIGH SATCHWELL,

Fernhill Heath,

Worcester.