THE recent publicity of a free bus ride for residents in West Malvern heightens the local discussion - public transport, who uses it and if not, why not?

Perhaps a few points mentioned by some of the residents may give some clues.

1. "I would prefer to spend three times the amount of money for a taxi from Great Malvern, as I cannot carry heavy shopping up to Rose Bank Gardens. But I would consider using the bus if the pick-up point was located differently."

2. "Sundays and Bank Holidays are my only days off work. But neither of these bus companies operate around West Malvern on these days."

3. "Free return trips are being offered, so why are return tickets not available?"

Perhaps bus companies could organise a survey to gauge other reasons.

MICHALE ASHBY, St James Crescent, West Malvern.