THE news that First's 192 bus service is being withdrawn comes as little surprise. But the blame for the demise of this and many other services across Wyre Forest should not lie with the operator.

Buses, like most other public commodities, are now, rightly or wrongly, operated mostly for profit. As a commercial profit-making company, you would rest assured that if money was to be made operating the 192, First would be carrying on.

The declining public transport provision in Wyre Forest is also evident in a number of similar sized towns elsewhere in the UK.

As the cost of operating buses continues to rise, the profits begin to be squeezed and services/networks that are marginal, such as those in Wyre Forest, are cut back.

Councils having to bridge the gaps simply don't have the cash to do so.

The ultimate responsibility lies with Government. We need to have in place a basic, agreed, level of public transport provision for every area of the country. Should the operator withdraw services, the Government should pay to provide resources to keep that agreed level of service operating.

We need to see public transport as a form of essential service, just as we see health, education and other services.

We have had years of under-investment in public transport and it is the passenger - the user at the sharp end of the service - who is suffering.

Maybe some of the Wyre Forest councillors - out and about as the local elections are approaching - would care to share their opinions on the subject and maybe question the policies of their respective political parties on the way forward?

PHIL TONKS

West Midlands Officer

National Federation of Bus Users

Wordsley