I am writing to express my deep dissatisfaction with the new bus timetable changes. I do not drive.

My old route was the 70, which took me all around Matua, up Otumoetai Road, past New World at Brookfield for shopping and then all the way into town and back again. Perfect!

I arranged all my activities around the old route. In order to reach one of my clubs, I now have to catch two buses - the 70 (town to Matua), and the 72 to take me up Otumoetai Road.

I have to get off the 70 and walk along Ngatai Road, cross a very busy roundabout and wait approximately 15 minutes to catch the 72.

The 72 then goes up Otumoetai Road and turns down Grange Road, where I get off on its way into town, however I can't get to New World or the other places I used to go to!

How stupid!

Recently, whilst on the 72 going up Otumoetai Road, an elderly lady waiting at the bus stop to go shopping at New World was told by the driver that, unfortunately, the bus doesn't go there any more so she had to get off!

How is anyone, let alone a pensioner, expected to walk along and cross busy roads safely, carrying shopping from one stop to another, in order to change busses? How are we meant to do this in bad weather? If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

J Stone, Matua (Abridged).