Amid the recriminations over the delayed opening of Crossrail , originally scheduled for this week but now postponed until at least next autumn if not beyond, TfL is quietly going ahead with cutbacks to central London bus routes, which were planned only to come into effect once the new railway had opened.

Last month, route 10 disappeared in its entirety, the 23 was withdrawn between Aldwych and Marble Arch, and then on December 1 the busy and popular route 25 was axed west of the City Thameslink station with one day’s notice, thereby severing a decades-long direct link between the East End, City and Oxford Circus.

That forced yet more people onto an already overcrowded Central line just at the run-up to Christmas. The folly of this was all too apparent later the same day when a track fault at Chancery Lane left the Tube at a standstill and, without the 25, no alternative readily available.

Now we read that the Mayor is proposing cuts to 33 more routes in central London, including reducing the sole surviving Heritage Routemasters on the 15 to a skeleton service at weekends and bank holidays, all presumably to try to plug the black hole in TfL`s finances. Then we learn of yet more salary increases for its senior managers.

Isn’t it time for TfL to get its priorities right and consider the interests of ordinary Londoners? It could freeze the salaries of its top staff and promise to halt any further cutbacks.

Harry Grayson

Julian Glover, associate editor, responds

Dear Harry

You are right — buses matter and they are in trouble, with use dropping in London. That is one reason why I believe Transport for London is right to rethink the network, which sends too many buses into congested central London.

Some routes have been running for the best part of a century and travel patterns change.

But sensible reform is one thing; cuts are another.

I sometimes use the 25 to avoid the Central line (which is one of London’s most unpleasant Tube routes), and trimming it before Crossrail opens is surely a mistake.

The problem is that TfL is short of cash, and with 40 per cent of bus passengers using passes rather than paying (such as those under 18 and people over 60), cutting them is a quick way to save money.

If it were up to me, I would restrict free passes to bring in more revenue and protect services.

But I bet we would get letters about that too.

Julian

Why we have to drive to schools

While there’s no excuse for drivers leaving engines running outside the school gates [The Reader, December 5] some of us would rather use public transport anyway. However, we have no option.

I am one of the (grand)parents who drives a five-year-old to the school in question because there’s no room left on the buses.

I gave up taking my granddaughter on public transport after frustrating waits when one or two full buses zoomed past the stop.

Pen Dalton

Ross Lydall says: “Let’s tackle the cause.” I agree. Why are vehicle manufacturers not being forced to design some form of easy/retro-fit universal particulate filter that can be fitted to current vehicles’ exhaust pipes?

With the political will and a community need, this could be done. Some say business can’t be run without profit, but profit is meaningless if this planet is dead.

Peter Oldfield

A short move for Stanfords books

I have only just heard the news that Stanfords, probably the best travel map and guide bookshop, is moving from Long Acre. I cannot even guess how many times I have enjoyed browsing through the shelves and the countless purchases I have made there over many years.

Of course, I realise that it is opening new premises at nearby Mercer Walk, but I cannot help but feel sad that it is leaving that well-known location after 117 years.

Without a doubt I shall shortly seek out Mercer Walk and continue my always illuminating relationship.

Robert Boston

The young have no clue about HIV

I wanted to congratulate you on your fantastic Christmas Appeal this year. It’s such an important cause.

Thank you for highlighting the continuing need to educate people and to raise funds for further research. I was shocked this year to see that the BBC did not feature red ribbons on World Aids Day.

I work in two LGBT organisations, counselling people living with HIV, and it’s still a stigmatised and traumatic diagnosis.

Far too many young people have no clue about HIV.

David Weale