THE letter from Mr Ray Jones (Mailbox, October 29) concerning concessionary travel misses key points in its misdirected attack.

Let us examine some facts:

* 250,000 elderly and disabled people can travel free on public transport in Merseyside - a scheme which is the envy of the United Kingdom;

* the scheme costs each Council Taxpayer just 14p per week;

* fewer than 1 per cent of free travel passes were withdrawn in 1997 through being out of date;

* Merseytravel staff receive no payment for the withdrawal of passes.

Pass renewal is necessary to maintain an accurate record of the number of passes in circulation - and to ensure they are used by the rightful owner.

The driver incentive scheme is designed to curb fraudulent use of ALL tickets, not specifically concessionary travel. This is good housekeeping designed to keep fares down and improve faciliites for our customers.

Hardly a waste of money, Mr Jones.

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