I KNEW long before the first of April when we pensioners were supposedly able to travel anywhere in the country with our free bus passes that it would not be as simple as it sounded.

We should always be aware that we are dealing with Southampton Council and that things will always be difficult here than anywhere else in Britain.

Like Brenda Parkinson, I have held a bus pass for a number of years and naturally assumed these would be valid seeing none of us has so far been invited to change them.

For the other anonymous lady who was forced to pay £4.50, I hope she has filed a claim with the council or the bus company for a refund (plus an apology). For myself I will not be going anywhere until this mess is sorted out once and for all, and even then I'll be doubtful.

L A O'BEE, Lordswood.