I WAS surprised to read the Phil Southall reply (Letters, October 21) regarding Oxford Bus Company not hiding behind the get-out clauses in their general terms and conditions.

A few weeks ago I had the same experience as David Fogden; a scheduled service departing several minutes early. The reply I received from Oxford Bus Company also confirmed that the bus did depart early and then included a copy of four paragraphs of their terms and conditions which detail that they can do whatever they want without any regard to the interests of the public.

Perhaps Phil Southall could advise his own staff not to use this excuse in the future.

MARTIN RUSSELL, Cedar Road, Botley, Oxford