I WAS saddened to read that vital improvements to York’s bus services are being scrapped in favour of multi-million pound roundabout upgrades (The Press, November 17).

While the proposed improvements to the A1237 may go some way to reducing journey times, the decision to postpone improvements to Park&Ride services and bus priority schemes will have a catastrophic impact on congestion in the city centre.

Buses keep cities moving by tackling congestion and help to reduce harmful emissions by up to 75 per cent – in fact, a fully loaded double decker bus can take 75 cars off the road.

Buses also provide much needed access to urban centres for millions of people, with one in three city centre visitors making their most recent trip by bus - more than any other mode of transport including cars.

Crucially, effective bus priority measures offer fantastic value for money, delivering up to £7 in economic benefit for every £1 spent.

Recent research by Greener Journeys also highlights the significant contribution buses make to society, particularly to those in greatest need.

We found that a ten per cent improvement in bus services would lead to almost 10,000 more people in work in the poorest neighbourhoods in England.

Sadly, the benefits of bus travel are often under-appreciated and overlooked but the evidence is clear. Bus services and bus priority measures represent fantastic value for money, benefit the most vulnerable in our society and fuel local economies.

If we continue to neglect buses in favour of motorists, York will become more congested, not less.

Claire Haigh, Chief executive, Greener Journeys, London