SIR - I was surprised and concerned to read (T&A, September 22) that bus service 846 from Shipley to Buttershaw may be discontinued because of falling income.

The report did not claim that fewer people were using the service, but stated that large numbers of passengers are now taking advantage of the free fare scheme.

However, that should not make any difference because the bus operators are all fully reimbursed by Metro (via Government funding) for their loss of income.

I am well aware that some companies are challenging our reimbursement calculations, but I hope that they are not using marginal services such as 846 as a means of forcing our hand.

Thanks to Councillor Phillip Thornton for organising a petition, but I hope that all the petitioners will pledge themselves to use the service. Moral support is fine, but passengers are much finer!

Councillor Stanley King, chairman West Yorkshire PTA, Heaton Road, Heaton