Madam, - I am uncertain whether to be happy or sad that The Irish Times Letters page appears to be the only location of any debate concerning the modernisation and improvement of Dublin's Bus fares and cash-handling structure.
As Alan Cook (January 12th) points out, there is a need for some definitive study on the potential for meaningful reductions in dwell-times at bus stops. Mr Cook also draws attention to the environmental benefits to be gained from greater engine efficiency as buses would spend less time at inefficient idle speed levels.
With Ireland's present precarious position in relation to vehicle emissions under the Kyoto protocols there should be an added impetus to the commissioning of such a study.
The methodology of any study has already been made far easier by the proliferation in Dublin city centre of high quality CCTV cameras under the control of two of the agencies with direct input into bus stopping arrangements,Dublin City Council and An Garda Siochana.
This ensures that the collection and collation of real-time data can be achieved within a very short time without large resources.
Meanwhile we can only hope that Transport Minister Martin Cullen and his senior advisers are closely monitoring your Letters page. - Yours, etc,
BILLY FLEMING,
Tallaght,
Dublin 24.