I would like to thank Roger French for taking the time to respond to my letter (Letters, May 1). My original question was: who pays for improvements to bus lanes, bus stops and other works, in view of the fact that the Brighton and Hove Bus Company (BHBC) is part of a PLC?

I'm afraid Mr French sidestepped this question, quoting unconnected details about how good the services are, how much has been invested, how many are employed and how the company has been transformed since privatisation. He should have finished his reply with, "Now, what was the question?"

All of what Mr French said is not doubted nor questioned and I, as a local businessman, applaud the contribution of BHBC to the local economy and the local transportation system, along with the job done by taxi drivers (as Mr French mentioned them).

But back to the question, plain and simple: who pays? Where does the money come from to fund the changes made to the public highways in order to help a privately owned company boost its profits for its shareholders, thus increasing the company's worth? Is it from the reported £100 million profit made by BHBC's parent company Go Ahead, or from the public purse, funded by local rate and road tax payers?

Does Mr French's response indicate BHBC feels it contributes enough by employing hundreds of local people and would rather invest its profits in improving its own assets?

I am not anti-bus or taxi or cycle or even tuk-tuk. I do, however, care how my money is spent and prefer simple answers to simple questions.

  • Steve Kennard, Burnham Close, Woodingdean