I WRITE with reference to the letter headed: "Let's face it, cycle lanes do not work" (March 30) and specifically in relation to criticisms made about the effectiveness of bus lanes.

In urban areas the main cause of traffic congestion and, by implication, poor air quality, environmental damage and increased accidents, is the sheer number of cars on our roads. It has become clear that the solution is not to encourage or plan for more cars: instead, we need to allow people the choice of an alternative means of transport for certain journeys. The Quality Bus Corridors programme is a joint initiative by GMPTA, GMPTE, Greater Manchester district councils and bus operators to improve the reliability and frequency of bus services. The programme also introduces measures to provide better and safer facilities for pedestrians, cyclists, taxis and, through traffic management measures, for motorists.

Your correspondent "Dazzler" is quite wrong to refer to the "obvious failures" of bus lanes. Where bus priority and bus lanes have been introduced as part of a well-planned package of measures following consultation with local residents, bus operators, bus passengers and motorists, they have proved very successful in reducing bus journey times and attracting increased numbers of passengers, many of them previous car drivers.

"Dazzler" is quite right, however, in pointing out that it will be essential to protect the effectiveness of bus and cycle lanes against abuse by drivers.

"Dazzler" says that he/she is a car, motorbike and push-bike user. Perhaps the work we are doing to improve the reliability and quality of bus services in Greater Manchester will mean that one day he/she becomes a bus user as well!

KEITH HOWCROFT,

director of planning

and communications, GMPTE.