YET again, this week has seen First Midland Red increase their bus fares well above the rate of inflation.

Children travelling on the school buses to Offmore First and Comberton Middle schools were first told of the increases in fares as they boarded buses on Monday morning.

The single and return fares have both seen rises, with the return fare alone going up from 70p to 80p a day, a rise of more than 14 per cent, yet we are told by the Government that the rate of inflation is currently running at around two per cent.

The number of passengers on the route has not fallen, so how can First Midland Red justify their hef-ty price hike which is around six times the rate of inflation?

The Government are continually telling us that we should use public transport more often, yet this company's action is setting a bad example.

Until now, I have been quite happy to send my daughter to Offmore First School on the bus, but I cannot afford to be "taken for a ride" as well.

DAVID GUEST

Hurcott Road

Kidderminster