Madam, - The Green Party's instant negative response to the suggestion of allowing cars carrying three or more passengers to use some bus lanes seems ill considered (The Irish Times, October 12th).
Several cities in the United States are now using such plans, widely called "diamond" or HPO (high passenger occupancy) lanes and have found them most effective in speeding traffic flow by encouraging car pooling.
One would think the party, in their effort to keep Dublin green, would investigate before speaking out. The result of such negativity is well documented in the history of America's first diamond lane programme in Los Angeles in the mid-1970s. Opposition to the plan was immediate and vocal - not so much against the plan itself but because an existing traffic lane was to be set aside for exclusive use of buses and vehicles with three or more people.
The system was started and appeared to be very effective but had a short life because of continuing opposition - to the point of disgruntled motorists painting out the diamonds, throwing nails onto the lane and finally - even in the face of traffic citations - using the lane indiscriminately.
In the case of Dublin's roads, however, the proposed lane has already been removed from general use, so the LA argument doesn't apply. I believe most drivers are aware that the bus lanes are generally under-used, even with taxis, often with long stretches of empty road. And observation would also show that a preponderance of cars on the road are carrying only one or two persons.
I believe the plan, which certainly should encourage car pooling, is well worth trying. If it doesn't work, it could be discontinued as simply as it was instituted. If the Greens wake up they might see the grass growing under their feet. - Yours, etc,
R A DIEBOLD, Dalkey, Co Dublin.