Since writing to your paper regarding the VTA (Letters, April 20), I have received numerous emails, letters and phone calls both praising my efforts to speak out and condemning me as John Cross has done (Letters, June 15).

Based on a call from the VTA, my letter sparked a number of changes that should correct many of the issues I addressed in my letter. "Killing the messanger" is never a solution, but one has to expect criticism when voicing one's opinion.

Anyone who's ridden the VTA overnight can attest to the fact that passengers are (were) routinely told to get off the bus if they were short of fare or didn't have change. I rode the bus for several days after I wrote my letter and different drivers at different times with different passengers went through the same ordeal.

One night a female driver refused to move until a female passenger got off the bus because her transfer had expired.

I'm sorry it took an out-of-towner to finally say something about your transit system, but hopefully there will be a benefit for all concerned.

I cannot tell you how pleased I am how your little community papers were agents for change. A VTA spokeperson told me the VTA has issued specific guidelines to handle "pennies short" and other fare issues. A member of the VTA board apparently rode the 22 bus to see what all the fuss was about. The union for the bus drivers also voiced its concern. And friends in Sunnyvale tell me there has been a marked improvement in attitudes of the drivers" customer service.

Clearly in speaking to VTA representatives, there is a genuine concern that passengers be treated fairly and with professional courtesy.

Bernard Forster

Livingston, Texas