Sir, – Ten years ago, when I was in my seventies, I stood in the monsoon rain waiting for a tram in San Francisco. Eventually it arrived and I entered, soaked and bedraggled. It was full. Then – a miracle – practically everyone jumped to their feet and offered me a seat. I gratefully accepted and thought, “What lovely people; you have to hand it to the Americans for courtesy.” As I sat there, I spotted a red notice stuck on the window beside me. To paraphrase, “If this tram is full and any elderly or disabled person enters you must give them your seat or be fined $500.” – Yours, etc,
FRANK KILFEATHER,
Delgany,
Co Wicklow.