COLIN Wood stated: "There seems to be some in-built denial at First York that the customer can ever be right" (Letters, November 14).

While some of the complaints made by passengers are justified, this particular comment is nonsense.

A few years ago Rider York, as the bus company was then known, invited passengers to a meeting at the Guildhall. I attended and remarked that the buses had no route number at the rear and pointed out how helpful it would be; I have noticed since then that all new buses do show the route number at the back.

Recently, First York invited passengers to a meeting to work out the best method of displaying timetables at bus stops, and suggestions were made by those passengers, who included a representative for such people as senior citizens, visually impaired people, and a tour guide to put the point of view of visitors.

I am certain that First York will be taking the points raised by those at the meeting seriously.

At one point, Mr Wood suggests we write to our York councillor. Perhaps all councillors should make bus journeys regularly - something more might be done.

My local bus is often late - the delays are mostly caused by parked cars. I fear that one day it won't be a bus which is delayed by parked cars, but the fire engine or an ambulance - and with disastrous consequences.

Finally, a word of tribute to the bus drivers, in whose skill I have absolute confidence.

John Robson,

Dringthorpe Road,

Updated: 11:40 Thursday, December 06, 2001