I’m a late convert to busses having always driven everywhere since I passed my test aged 17. I recently worked in the centre of York and the only way to get there at a sensible cost was by bus.

Once I got used to the incredibly loud iPods of the odd inconsiderate fellow passenger, I grew to enjoy my time reading, listening to music (my own and quietly) and chatting with friends old and new. I also noticed a lot of traffic that I didn’t have to negotiate. The busses were clean and warm and the drivers generally friendly and helpful.

I even enjoyed the near three quarters of a mile walk to the bus stop, at the start and end of a days work. Eventually even choosing to walk to or from work (about 5 miles) if the weather was good.

So all in all I was fitter and certainly doing my bit for the planet by barely using my car at all and I was happy with the service. Although a detour around my estate would have been nice when the weather was bad!

Looking at the proposed changes to the “timetables” I wonder how First York get away with simply putting “and at frequent intervals until” on the Wigginton to Chapelfields No1 bus. What is a frequent interval? I breathe often, is it that frequent? I see my neighbour leaving for work most days, is that frequent? I eat chicken quite frequently so is that how often the busses will arrive?

What is wrong with saying approximately every 15 minutes, if that is what they intend to provide? I know traffic across York is difficult and grows ever more difficult as routes that took pressure off the main rods are closed off because they are “rat runs” (I’ve never seen a rodent driving a car).

A good friend tells me that taxi drivers are enjoying an upsurge in business because people have waited for a bus and given up. That is not a bus service! That is running busses, but the service element seems to be missing.

I hope Council Tax payers will NOT be asked to provide more in subsidy when the reduced passenger numbers result in falling profits.

Come on First York give us a chance to save the planet, tell us when the busses will try to arrive so that we can use them. Make it the genuine bus service you used to provide.