Oxfordshire County Councillor Keith Mitchell chastises Chris Boswell (October 9) for having the nerve to suggest that the park & ride buses should be as free as their car parks.

Keith’s quote: “…no such thing as a free bus ride – any more than a free lunch,” suggests that he has forgotten that Oxford’s first park & ride, in Abingdon Road, was free, both to park, and to ride.

In fact, we were told at the time that the only reason ‘ride’ charging was subsequently introduced was because local residents were using the park & ride bus, rather than paying for their usual local bus, hindering parked drivers’ speedy transit into town.

Perhaps if he had used the facilities more often he would have known this.

MICAEL HEAVEY, Oxford Road, Old Marston, Oxford