The free bus travel scheme for pensioners was a great idea but as with many things in Britain, it was badly planned.

Since it was launched in April, there has been widespread criticism of its inconsistencies.

For example, pensioners in Oxford can travel free anywhere in the city, but have to pay once they cross the boundary.

Many in the districts also complain of the restrictive nature of the rules.

Now we have the two main bus companies and the city council in dispute over costs.

Stagecoach and Oxford Bus Company say they are out of pocket and are demanding more money to run the service.

It was inevitable that more pensioners would use the buses once fares were abolished, but it was impossible for the council to predict accurately how many.

In the event, the £1.95m set aside in the council budget appears to be well below what will be needed.

It is a classic case of the Government introducing new regulations, then failing to give sufficient financial support.

We hope all the problems will be ironed out with the introduction of the new free national service, which will allow pensioners to travel the length and breadth of the country without paying.

But we trust the Government will fund it properly.