BEING a pensioner couple we are happy to use buses. At South Milford, we have an Arriva service to York, via the A63 and A19.

The journey is about 18 miles and takes 70 minutes - including driver change at Selby - and the concessionary fair is £4.40 for two.

Fair enough.

Recently we had to go to Clifton Moor for a scarce item so, in Piccadilly, we got a number 15 bus. Twenty-five minutes later we were still on that blasted bus. According to my map we would have gone three miles via a direct road. Flashing our pensioners' bus ID cards was to no avail, we were charged £3.98 for two.

The terminus at Clifton Moor is behind Tesco's filling station and is just a blank wall.

Why not fill it with a guide to the stores, their layout and where to find them on the site?

Pensioners who are prone to 'confusion' should take a companion.

We travelled First York... for the last time!

Pete Rowbottom,

Legion Street,

South Milford,

Leeds.

...THE letter from Norma White (September 29) suggests that there is still a belief that First York is the only bus company in town.

There are other, locally-owned, companies, and there is a bus from Fulford Road to Clarence Street.

Our Y29 Circle Line, which is part of the city council's supported network, runs on Mondays to Fridays, every hour, takes about 25 minutes and costs £1.60 return. Yes, sometimes we also get caught up in traffic, but we always turn up - and with a smile, just ask our regular customers.

For details of all bus services in York, phone the city council's BusInfo service on (01904) 551400.

Peter Dew,

Top Line Travel,

Rivelin Way,

York.

Updated: 10:50 Tuesday, October 09, 2001