Sir – The introduction of hybrid, diesel-electric buses to the city, plus joint ticketing between the two bus companies is good news indeed. But that the new buses are to be double-deckers is disturbing.

For mothers with small children and often with pushchairs, the upper deck is impossible. With a growing, ageing population, there are many of us who would find the stairs difficult, especially if we’re carrying shopping. To leave half-empty top decks is defeating part of the object of the exercise! Let us hope that there will be some second thoughts on the subject.

Elizabeth Stamp, Oxford