BAH, humbug! This is what the bosses of the First bus company think of their customers with this recent price hike in bus fares.

With reduced petrol, diesel prices and reduced VAT, these increases are not justified. With the minimum wage also frozen, this is a clear two-fingered gesture to those unfortunate enough to have to use their bus services.

I do hope that enterprising taxi drivers take note and offer a cheaper alternative service in York by trawling the bus stops. After all, business is business, and one cold long waiting bus queue is sound business sense – or should be to any self-motivated taxi driver.

Phil Shepherdson, Chantry Close, Woodthorpe, York.