It is fantastic news that so many people are benefiting from free bus travel for pensioners (The Argus, April 9) – and a vote of confidence in our city that so many people from around the country are choosing to use the facility here.

But increased tourist numbers should be making us better off – not costing us £1.8 million.

The Government has really blundered here and must put things right by agreeing to pay for the scheme itself.

It isn’t fair that residents of Brighton and Hove are left picking up the tab – via increased parking charges and council tax bills and reduced services – for the success of a great scheme to boost use of public transport and encourage older people to travel more.

Greens believe the buses should be regulated by the public sector as in London – which is perhaps the city with the best bus services in the world.

But, however they are run, the Government should meet all the costs associated with free travel schemes centrally.

Caroline Lucas MEP Green Party European Parliament, Brussels