WHEN the controversial Rawcliffe Bar Park and Ride site was in its infancy one argument put forward by local residents was that they would not be encouraged to use it.

The council vigorously denied this.

Two years on and the council has introduced a pick-up point three quarters of a mile nearer the city centre resulting in local residents benefiting from a regular and reliable bus service.

An excellent idea.

However, when I used this service, I was astonished to learn I had to pay £1.95 return when it costs only £1.60 (including free car parking) from the park and ride site.

How did the council arrive at this figure?

Perhaps it's the same department that is responsible for our council tax where we also seem to pay more for less.

Needless to say, any journeys I make to town in future will be made either by car or a half mile drive away from town to receive my free car parking and cheaper bus ride.

Perhaps the next time the council is whinging about York's congested roads they should think about me and people like me, who object to their unfair pricing system and who subsequently use their cars.

Neil Norville,

Shipton Road,

York.

Updated: 10:25 Thursday, March 07, 2002