SIR - Private bus operators are going to be stripped of their power to set the bus fares. It's about time because bus fares have increased in recent years by 86 per cent above inflation, which is no way to encourage people out of their cars.

Bus fares are far too high and should be reduced.

Another way to lower fares would be to introduce a second and even a third bus operator and have some real competition.

It's been wrong to give one operator the monopoly.

JOHN SHEARON, Worcester.