I HAD my first ever OAP bus pass issued and took my first ‘concessionary’ bus trip. I wasn’t sure how the system worked so I produced my pass as I boarded the bus and the driver kindly showed me what to do.

I didn’t give a destination and wasn’t asked for one, but I later found I’d been given Zero Fare tickets from Burley Gate to Worcester (and later from Bromyard to Hereford) even though I was only making a round trip from Burley Gate to Bromyard. It makes me wonder if bus companies are paid a subsidy according to the details on the tickets they issue.

Is the government (and Herefordshire Council) being overcharged simply because it’s easier and more lucrative to simply issue a long-distance ticket rather than ask passengers where they’re going?

Was the bus company paid for taking me to Worcester and then taking me to Hereford?

Should passengers be educated to give their intended destinations rather than just flourishing their passes and accepting whatever they’re given?

If it would save the county money I’m all in favour.

MARTIN FIELD Old School House, Burley Gate