LETTER : Public transport builds community spirit

Sir: With regard to his damnation of Steven Norris's views on public transport, I don't know how often the Labour transport spokesman, Michael Meacher, actually travels on public transport.

If he travelled regularly on inner-city buses, he would soon realise that sitting in a warm comfortable car alone or with passengers of his choice is preferable to sitting surrounded by a cross-section of the public and being exposed to screaming children, fellow passengers who feel inclined to communicate their views to all and sundry, unpleasant smells and even the occasional touch of mugging to enliven the journey.

If the Labour Party stands for public transport, it will need a more constructive approach than the typical megaphone response to ministerial observations that contain more than a grain of truth.

Yours faithfully,

MARTIN F. LEE

Birmingham

9 February