Sir, – I have just returned from a week in Rennes, where trains, buses and metros went on time and where metros operated every two minutes, with a frequency that avoided overcrowding. Lifts in railway stations operated all of the time and escalators functioned for those of us who, at a certain stage in life, have difficulty climbing stairs. Many lifts on the Dart line here are out of order.
In Ireland, despite the country being awash with money, the public transport system is inefficient and unreliable. Times of trains are not synchronised with times of feeder buses or Darts.
In France, the Metro doors open on to the same level as the platform, without gaps. Here in Ireland on the Dart line, there is a considerable gap between the platform and the doors of the Dart train, thereby needing a ramp to exit in the case of wheelchair use.
The station waiting areas are enclosed, unlike in Ireland, where they are cold, windy and wet in winter. The design of the metro platforms is such that nobody is exposed to the elements.
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I am grateful for the free travel here in Ireland, but public transport should be hassle free, comfortable and straightforward. – Yours, etc,
BEATRICE AIRD O’HANLON,
Delgany,
Co Wicklow.