WHAT can be done about the devastatingly unreliable bus service to and from Plymouth? Last week, 20 people, including an elderly blind lady and another lady with a fractious toddler, waited 45 minutes for the 1526 service (86 bus) to Plymouth.

Having heard from a bus driver that this bus had broken down somewhere between Barnstaple and Tavistock, we all crowded onto the 1555 no 84 bus.

The driver of this bus started late, and of course I reached Plymouth too late to do the shopping I intended to do before closing time, before going on to a meeting.

Presumably, all the other 20 people from Tavistock and dozens of others waiting in vain for the 86 bus en route to Plymouth were also inconvenienced at best, and had their whole day messed up at worst.

It is only six days since my previous incident of being let down by First Bus. Needless to say I have received no reply as yet to my letter of protest.

Isn't it obvious that buses need to have maintenance if they are going to run reliably? On a recent journey I overheard the bus drivers talking. One said that the speedometer on his bus hadn't been working for some time.

It is no good preaching the virtues of public transport if buses do not run when expected. People will resort to their cars, thus contributing to further congestion, pollution and delays.

It seems worth adding that the price of a peak-time return has now risen to £4.

Are there any local councillors concerned enough about the situation to take it up with First Bus?

Judith Davies

Parkwood Road

Tavistock