IT was heartening to see The National give space to Richie Venton of the Scottish Socialist Party to argue for free public transport and to outline the need for such a policy to help create jobs, improve our environment and address the disparities in wealth and health that bedevil Scotland (Free public transport would benefit people and the planet, May 7).

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We have plenty problems that have been exacerbated by the Tories at Westminster and there is a crying need for holistic policy formation to combat these. Free public transport as promoted by the SSP (requiring complete public ownership of the rail industry, including rolling stock) is an excellent example of what is required to ensure maximum economic and social benefit.

David Stevenson
Cambuslang