Madam, - Mattie Lennon (Dec 30th) asks about alternatives to the Dublin Bus change receipt system. I was lucky enough to spend three weeks in Japan earlier this year.
Bus passengers there collect a numbered ticket on boarding, which is placed into an automatic machine on exit along with the required fare. A large display board allows passengers to know ahead of time what their fare currently is, based on the number on the ticket they are holding.
One can argue, probably successfully, that a pay on exit system such as this one would never work in Ireland. However, we do have numerous examples of automatic change machines - so why not on the buses? - Yours, etc,
RICHARD BANNISTER Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Madam, - Mattie Lennon (Dec 30th) is seeking solutions to the problem of Dublin Bus commuters getting ripped off by not receiving coins as change, bearing in mind the issue of driver safety when handling cash. Simply issue tokens for the extra amount paid, which can then be used in conjunction with cash as you commence your next bus trip.
I wonder why Dublin Bus didn't think of this when recently installing new ticket machines in driver cabins. - Yours, etc,
DARAGH O'HALLORAN, Inchicore, Dublin 8
Madam, - Why has Dublin Bus not yet rolled out an integrated smart card ticketing system in conjunction with other city transport, such as the Dart? - Yours, etc,
NIALL O'DONOGHUE, Narva, Finland.