AS regular public transport-users and people who care about the environment enough not to have a car, my husband and I feel like, yet again, we are being penalised.

I am referring to the new changes on Thamesdown buses. Not that I am unused to price hikes and the like, but how on earth, as a so-say civilised society, can we have a local service provided for the community to travel, that decides to discontinue return fares.

Gobsmacked, dumbfounded, and total incomprehension.

This was just some of my feelings when I hopped on the bus with my husband and the four children we childmind, to travel the short distance to the library at Asda Walmart, Sorry, no returns love, single fare there and back or a day-rider'.

A journey that normally costs us £4.40, ended up being £5.60. I was under the impression that we were trying to discourage people from using cars and each take control of reducing pollution?

I was later to understand, from speaking to my grandmother, that the reason for this change is because the Government is cutting the subsidies that it gives to Thamesdown and Stagecoach, is this correct?

As I understand, the Government allocated a large sum to our bus company to help provide free passes for pensioners. Are they giving with one hand and taking with the other?

My mother eagerly awaits her 60th birthday in August when she will receive her free bus pass.

(Mrs) A Bishop.

Old Town.

Swindon