Public transport. What is the priority of the service provider?

Being privately owned companies their first duty is to make a profit so as to reward the share holder. The argument in favour of private over public ownership is that competition will ensure a better service. Well may be, except with public transport there is no competition and private companies can only operate with subsidies from the taxpayer. In my view this is a ludicrous situation. The taxpayer give money to private companies who then reward their CEOs with mega salaries and pay out dividends to their share holders. Nice work boys.

But what if instead of using tax payers' money to provide profits, that money was re-invested in the transport system, a publicly owned operation, that way the travelling public would benefit.

I use my local bus, the 507, when I can, I'm sure fellow passengers will agree that First Bus are pretty poor and do not provide a reliable service. The 507 has been reduced from four per hour to three. About 18 months ago First made twelve inspectors redundant at Moor Lane bus station all to bolster profits. Part of Bolton council tax payers' money goes towards 'Transport for Manchester' who in turn decide who will provide the service. I became involved with Bolton Bus Users Forum (BBUF) because I was dissatisfied with First and also what I see as a dereliction of duty considering that tax payers' money is involved.

BBUF organised a public meeting which First Bus and Arriva reps attended. Greater Manchester was represented by Bolton councillor David Chadwick who left half way through the meeting for no apparent reason.

The latest figures from HM Treasury show transport spend per capita being London £1,869 — North West £289, figures the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) describe as a "national disgrace". This massive imbalance means we have to get the best value out of every penny. We need a strong user group, train or bus passengers, anyone with a grievance about public transport. It's time to get organise. If you are interested please contact Preva Crossley at prevacrossley@talktalk.net or myself, Eric Hyland on ehyland1@hotmail.co.uk

Eric Hyland. Harwood

Bolton Bus Users Forum