I am writing to you in frustration about our bus service. I am one of many who rely on the bus to get to work every morning.

The unreliability of this service has caused me to lose faith in the benefits gained from taking a bus and I am now forced to consider using alternative methods of transport such as a car.

I am a staunch supporter of getting cars off the road and I despair that I am now at this junction. I have complained on a number of occasions to Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company as my bus often does not run.

We had a visit from an operations manager last week who promised to look into the problem but this seems to have had no effect.

I understand that all companies who rely on road traffic are to some extent a slave to this but the issue is not late buses but ones that just don't run at all.

I would be more understanding if the drivers could give me an explanation rather than the standard: "I only drive one bus."

My major concern is that one of the explanations given for the non-existence of this service is the added pressure of 3,000 more students in this year's university intake.

Surely permanent residents should not be suffering at the expense of people who do not even contribute to our community yet?

Brighton and Hove buses do not seem to be doing anything to rectify the situation.

If all regular users were to complain if their bus didn't turn up, this might encourage this company to start providing the level of service that our £1.30 per journey should entitle us to.

Mrs Fiona Tabraham,

-Hangleton