‘Buddy’ system could be a way to combat the fuel crisis

Sir, – With the price of fuel rising to dangerously high levels and the public urged to take public transport as much as possible, perhaps there is a novel way to make this happen.

Take the case of a businessman or woman who intends to drive by car from Dublin to Cork, Galway or another city or town. If that person were to “buddy up” with someone over 70 years oldwho has a free travel card plus companion, they could both use public transport for free, including bus, rail, Luas and Dart. The only criterion required being that they are over 16 years old.

Such a scheme might operate effectively if WhatsApp groups were set up in each locality by chambers of commerce or similar organisations, to identify willing participants. Groups could have a title such as “Seniors to the Rescue” or another apt name.

Some of the benefits would be savings in fuel and costs, older people getting out for the day and being of great help to the nation by their actions.

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They might not have to bring sandwiches for the journey if the travelling companions agreed to buy snacks or meals for them. – Yours, etc,

BOBBY CARTY,

Templeogue,

Dublin 6W

Sir, – In the latest energy crisis, which won’t be the last, our Government is considering asking us to drive less, more slowly and to take public transport where possible to save energy.

At the same time, in its wisdom, in the new National Planning Framework it is intending to adopt a “more flexible approach” to rural one-off housing where you can’t so much as buy a pint of milk without hopping in a car.

In these houses car dependency is nearly total and infrastructure deficiency means extending electricity, water, sewage, roads and broadband networks to scattered locations, which requires more materials and energy per household in supply and maintenance of same.

There is something desperately wrong with our political system. – Yours, etc,

CHRIS GARVEY,

Glasnevin,

Dublin 9.

Sir, – Over 130 electric buses sit idle in depots due to lack of charging points. This indicates poor teamwork and poor communication between the Minister for Transport, his department and the National Transport Authority.

With fuel prices increasing, perhaps they should prioritise getting the idle buses on the road asap and follow the lead taken by the states of Victoria and Tasmania by making public transport free. This would reduce the demand for petrol and diesel. – Yours, etc,

FERGUS BURNS,

Castlebar,

Co Mayo.