I LIVE with my wife and two daughters in Fulford. We thought it would be nice if we went into the city centre for a meal.

We took the no 19 bus from Broadway shops to Piccadilly – a fairly short journey but with a total fare of £6.50.

My wife, hoping for a taxi from door to door, argued that the cost was not much different than the bus. I said I could not believe this and hurried all to the bus stop to do our bit for a greener York.

On our return, we were later than anticipated and took a taxi from the St Saviourgate rank, a total cost of (you guessed it) £6.50 right to our garden gate.

Ah! But it was the same, I hear you say. Not so, as my daughter’s friend came with us in the same taxi – which would have made the overall cost of the return bus trip £8.40.

After accepting the “told you so” from my wife, I will in future take a taxi when we are travelling together.

I know return tickets may have been cheaper. However, I am still amazed how expensive public transport is for a small family.

Duncan Paxman, Fulford, York.