SO only one third of the pensioners of Ryedale thought the half-price bus passes worth applying for? But after all, the £16 worth of tokens never went far did they? Three trips to Scarborough or York, or six or so to Malton, and you'd had your free journeys for the year! Like many other pensioners, I usually used to spend my tokens on a rail-card. But this year I find I can no longer afford to run a car. So I am one of the third who think the half-price bus passes a great help, worth far more than the £16 of tokens ever were. However, I still see how the other two-thirds look on it. I think it would be fairer to all:

1. To give an option of tokens to those who prefer them

2. To provide bus services where there are none

3. To improve the integration of bus and train times

4. To provide more decent bus shelters. For people travelling to Scarborough there is not a single shelter in Pickering!

D WHALLEY

Pickering

Updated: 12:25 Thursday, August 16, 2001