On Sunday, March 30, my husband and three friends joined me taking part in the Great Pier Walk in aid of StrokeBusters, Southend Hospital.

Deciding to be environmentally friendly, we travelled from Hockley by bus.

The journey into Southend was fine.

After the walk, we made our way back to the bus station. Our No 7 arrived, we showed our bus passes and were handed our tickets.

The driver then left the bus. He did not come back...nor did any other driver.

We sat on the bus, with other passengers, for over half an hour. No explanation was given for the lack of a driver.

Eventually a No 8 bus arrived so we all got on only to have the driver get off that one, too.

Finally, a driver did manage to get us home.

Margaret Holland
Helena Close
Hawkwell

...Although the Government's free country-wide bus travel initiative started on April 1, it seems the over-60s in Basildon, Southend, Rochford and Thurrock had not received their bus passes by that date.

To make it worse, the first batch of passes sent out in the Southend area may not reach the recipients until April 14.

Castle Point is believed to be the only council to have got its passes out on time.

I consider myself fortunate to live on Canvey and received my pass on 29th March, I wish to congratulate Castle Point Council on a job well done.

Patricia Haunts
Downham Road
Canvey

...Full marks to Castle Point for its speedy and efficient distribution of the new national bus pass.

It is now possible to travel from Southend and go shopping at Bluewater in Kent with a maximum of three changes of bus, although it takes three or four hours each way.

The bus companies could do more to make their services and timetables more coherent.

Improvements would be welcome too at Basildon bus station and Lakeside where there is a lack of information.

Andrew Summers
Homestead Gardens
Hadleigh

...I was very pleased to receive my new bus pass in the post yesterday and eagerly began to read the explanatory leaflets. When I found the small print I realised that our once proud nation has shrunk. The pass is not valid in Scotland and Wales. So, I will have to abandon my plans for a tour of the Scottish Highlands.

David Dearle
Chalfont Close
Leigh

...Why all the fuss about delayed bus passes? I received mine just one day late.

I think the Stansted Flyer is a great service, with just two stops at Rayleigh and Chelmsford. An hour and a half from Southend to the airport.

I only hope it won't be withdrawn through lack of funds. The fares are good value

Pamela Bradford
Station Road
Southend