Should we ask for our change?

I felt rather confused on reading B.J. Simmons' letter (The Sunday Times, October 12). Bus fares are normally 47c ; fares are higher on direct bus routes. He stated that we shouldn't expect the bus driver to guess our route. We do not have to tell the driver what our destination is as in the past.

The standard fare is 47c. However, some drivers seem reluctant to give change and, often, if you ask for it, you get a dirty look or he will tell you he has no change.

It happened to us recently when we travelled to Mġarr. On arriving at the Mġarr terminal we took the bus to Victoria and another bus to Marsalforn.

That was four fares going and four fares return, and not once were we given change from €1. I realise it was only a 24c loss but we were short-changed.

Nothing is being done about this abuse. You cannot complain to the inspector if you see one as he might be a friend or relative of the driver.

As in other countries, we should have bus passes. Does Mr Simmons ask for his change in England? Does he get on a bus with the driver using a mobile phone and arguing with the person he is calling? Do the drivers in England start the engine before the last passenger is on the bus?

There is a lot to be done to educate the bus drivers. In some cases, passengers' safety certainly does not seem to be a consideration when giving them the licence to drive our buses.