The End Of Luas?

Sir, - Scrap Luas. The issue has degenerated into two phoney arguments: (1) overground or underground? (2) use or lose the Eurofunding…

Sir, - Scrap Luas. The issue has degenerated into two phoney arguments: (1) overground or underground? (2) use or lose the Eurofunding?The two real points are: (1) A fixed-hardware rail system is rigid, inflexible, costly and disruptive; and with a long lead-time, it offers no short-term solution to our traffic problem.(2) The use of the car has to be curtailed or made less attractive than the public transport alternative.To borrow a computer term, look at the software alternative. It is possible to put quickly into place a system of buses and busways. Unlike today's feeble buslanes, busways are dedicated bus routes bordered by low concrete verges or other car-proof edges. At junctions the concrete verges are replaced by painted lines. No ugly overhead wiring, less noise, no disruption while the system is put in place, and no problem about adding to, removing or rerouting the lines.This method would offer all the benefits of light rail. As we get more and more certain about usage, then sections can be replaced by a fixed rail - if it becomes beneficial to do so.Any supporters for a programmable solution? - Yours, etc.,G. Harvey,Crosthwaite Park East,Dun Laoghaire,Co Dublin.