I HAVE had the misfortune to travel on a 4B bus from Oxford.

Since the new bus timetables, both the 4 and 4B serve Abingdon, and it is obvious that this bus service is much needed.

The bus was so full it had to miss out stops, thus leaving the bus queues to wait for the next overcrowded bus. It was distressing to see elderly people forced to give up their seats to disabled people, and the number of people standing made it very difficult to get on and off at the right stop safely.

The problem would be partly alleviated if they ran double-deckers on all the City 4 routes, but the real problem is that, with the new timetable, there are not enough buses on the route at busy times.

I am beginning to wonder if the bus service is run for the passengers or for the financial benefit of the bus companies. Perhaps all the senior bus company staff should travel all routes on a regular basis, just to see what we mere mortals suffer when trying to travel from A to B as quickly and safely as possible.

MARY BRISTOW
Cumnor Hill
Oxford