Why were the good people of Johnson Fold not consulted about the withdrawal of their bus service

I also stated that First Bus receive a grant from Bolton council and failed to consult before withdrawing the 519. The mystery writer disputes my claim.

First Bus get no funding for the services they operate at a profit, true, but early morning and evening services where there is no profit to be made, Transport for Greater Manchester, which Bolton council contributes to, have to step in with funding otherwise there would be no service. My point being, from the first morning service to the last one at night council taxpayers' money is needed to provide vital public transport.

The Thatcher government brought in the 1984 Transport Act stating 'Bus companies have to operate services at a profit'. What nonsense. The public should own public transport and the public should benefit from any profit.

Regarding consultation, the name and address supplied writes that First did everything correctly and discussed with TfGM and the Traffic Commission to advise of a change, I'm sure they did.

What about the travelling public, the very ones First makes a profit from, were they or their representatives invited to the talks? Of course not. Their only purpose is to enable profit for private companies, their opinion is not wanted.

Finally I have to say it's disappointing that Bolton council's reps on TfGM did not contact the good people of Johnson Fold when the withdrawal of their service was first muted.

Eric Hyland

Harwood