Madam, - As a bus driver I must take issue with Shane O'Sullivan's view (December 27th) of the "change ticket" provided for cash-paying bus customers.
As he correctly observes, an annual customer figure of some 149 million means the system is now one of mass movement. With customer expectations of a rapid, regular and reliable service constantly increasing, Dublin Bus must ensure its services remain as free from delay as possible.
Aside from the perennial and seemingly insurmountable traffic problems, one of the greatest sources of delay is the length of time buses spend at city stops.
Instead of having a simple, automated and fast-boarding procedure we are required by strict Department of Transport regulations to persist with a cash ritual dating back to the days of Bianconi.
Any avoidable delay, including the pregnant pause for a "change ticket", only serves to keep the following customers, who may have their correct fare at the ready, standing in line for longer.
With the much delayed and equally appreciated extra capacity provided by the newest high-capacity buses now being introduced, it behoves us all to ensure this extra capacity is fully used. This can only be achieved by keeping the vehicle moving rather than exposing the extra customers to even greater delays at each stop.
In the meantime Shane O'Sullivan and other holders of "change tickets" could also bear in mind the many Dublin-based charities, such as Concern, Goal, St Vincent de Paul and others, which will gladly accept valid change tickets as donations, allowing people to turn their own misfortune into good fortune for somebody worse off than themselves. - Yours,etc,
BILLY FLEMING, Tallaght, Dublin 24.