Clive Harrison (Oxford Mail, August 3) and Mary Blewett (September 10) have raised the point about whether bus companies are benefiting unfairly from the concessionary fares scheme because the ticket they receive may sometimes not tally with the journey they make.

There is absolutely no link between the ticket they receive and the money bus companies receive from councils. The ticket – or rather the ‘permit to travel’ – is only for internal use by the bus companies.

The reimbursement is made through a heavily discounted fare negotiated with the local authority for each route.

We are planning to change the recording system next month, when all concessionary pass holders will have to do is place their card on the reader on the top of the bus ticket machine – the journey will be recorded and no ticket will be issued.

Helen Fowweather, Finance and Commercial Director, Oxford Bus Company