On the number 73...

Here's the scenario - you are running a bus service from A to B. Your bus can carry up to 50 passengers. There are in fact only 10 people on board, who have each paid a £1 fare. OK? Now suppose that the other 40 seats are being occupied by pensioners travelling free by virtue of their new national bus passes. What difference does this make to you? Your bus still has to travel from A to B, and the amount you receive in fares is the same. So why should you complain? But this is exactly what bus operators are doing, it seems. They're even taking the Government to court over how much they should be paid for providing this service. I just can't see it myself.