Sir – We are dumfounded that Transport for London (TfL) is to withdraw the £1 Bus Saver tickets.

These are half the price of £2 cash fares and are used by thousands of bus users.

Bought in packs of six, these are very handy for those who do not travel every day and save the need for cash transactions, which are both expensive and delay the bus for everyone else.

Even retired citizens, who have a free Freedom Pass, cannot travel before 9am Monday to Friday and if they need to get to Kingston Hospital or doctors, etc, before this time do indeed purchase the Bus Saver tickets in advance.

Just to be clear the Freedom Pass is valid on all TfL modes of transport: bus, Tube, Docklands Light Railway from 9am but on National Rail travel is not permissible until 9.30am, so the demand for the alternative Bus Savers is paramount.

New Mayor of London, and by default chairman of TfL, Boris Johnson, promised during the election that OAPs and the disabled would get free 24 hour travel on all modes. We put this to his office and the answer is: “We don't know when”.

Accordingly, it is not clear if it will happen at all.

TONY ADAMS
Chairman Kingston Area
Travellers' Association