TIM Phillips of CAST.IRON (Letters, December 17) is entitled to his views, but it would be helpful if when he shares them, he sticks to the facts a little more. The guided busway is not a failed experiment. I am certain that all those people who sit in lo

TIM Phillips of CAST.IRON (Letters, December 17) is entitled to his views, but it would be helpful if when he shares them, he sticks to the facts a little more. The guided busway is not a failed experiment.

I am certain that all those people who sit in long and frustrating queues on the A14 morning and night know how important the busway will be. Not only is the busway needed now, but it will also help come the arrival the 58,000 new homes that will be built in Cambridgeshire over the next decade.

It is predicted that 3.5 million trips will be taken each year on the guided busway, and that is even before Northstowe is built. Just over four million trips are made each year on the park-and-ride scheme in Cambridge, which is a resounding success. Just like the national award-winning park-and-ride service, the busway is going to be another innovative public transport alternative for local people.

As our latest budget report, available on our web pages, shows, the project is currently on budget and, because of the robust contract that members and officers negotiated, I remain confident it will be delivered within budget. A Government grant and developer funding is paying to build the busway.

Reopening the old railway line was discussed during the public inquiry and it was shown that this was a more expensive option that also offered far less flexibility for passengers. It is a shame Mr Phillips misled readers.

Councillor MATT BRADNEY

Cabinet member for transport

Cambridgeshire County Council