How unfair of Roger French not to have taken into account the conditions under which previous bus companies operated before calling them "dismal" (Letters, May 1).

There were, at the time, three bus companies competing with each other in the area. Competition being something Mr French is not familiar with - as his company has the virtual monopoly on local services.

Councils did not subsidise bus travel to the extent they do now.

Brighton and Hove Bus Company receives subsidies for operating certain services as well as vast amounts of council money spent on bus lanes etc. All these measures increase the profits which Mr French can pass on to his shareholders.

So be fair, Mr French, before criticising previous bus operators. Just be thankful much of your success is down to sympathetic council funding.

  • George Hilton, Denton Drive, Brighton