Sir - As I see it, the two principal arguments against continuing with buses in Oxford are the pollution they bring right into the centre and the fact that they conflict with safe cycling.

The latter is largely because of their incessant need to pull in and back out, across the path of a cyclist.

It is far easier to bring electricity to a vehicle moving along a fixed path than for it to generate its own. Fuel-cells might be an option in a couple of decades, but not in the near future. They would do nothing to save cycling in Oxford.

There remains plenty of potential to redevelop rail between Oxford and its satellites.

The only obstacle is that the transport planning authority has no authority over rail planning, and in any case can ill-afford to make the greater investment it needs, even though this would likely deliver a better return over the longer term.

It would certainly yield a much higher-quality system.

The underlying problem is the utter failure to plan transport over the longer term and in integrated fashion. People will shift mode from the car if they are offered something better than a bus.

As it is, local rail opportunities slip into oblivion, without proper consideration.

Oxford will likely continue to reek of diesel fumes and echo to the roar of diesel engines. Cyclists and pedestrians will continue to feel threatened and suffer injury and occasionally death.

Dr Ian East, Islip