I CAN well understand the frustration suffered by E Collins (Going Nowhere, EA February 21) when passed by a Not in Service bus when he is anxious to get home from a night shift.

There are two reasons. Firstly, buses in service obviously need extra journey time. This adds to cost. Bearing in mind that there are already two other buses in a 15-minute period going to Penhill at this time, rightly or wrongly we felt that this added cost (which in the end is reflected in the fares passengers pay) was not justified.

Secondly, soon this bus will come to Penhill to start its day's work from a completely different direction. We were reluctant to provide an extra bus over the route from town that people got used to only to then have to withdraw it again in a short time.

J OWEN

Managing director

Thamesdown Transport Limited

Swindon