Madam, - I learnt today of the new Luas fare structure. In the great tradition of "Rip-Off Ireland" I was disturbed, yet not surprised, to find that on the Sandyford to St Stephens Green Green Line it will cost me €1.60 to travel two stops from my workplace on Harcourt Street to Ranelagh (less than two kilometres). Meanwhile on the Tallaght to Connolly Red Line I can travel the 11 stops from Connolly to Suir Road (almost six kilometres) for only €1.50.
Efforts to get an explanation for this major fares anomaly from either the Railway Procurement Agency or from Minister Seamus Brennan's office elicit no coherent response. Why the break from the widely accepted European urban transport norm of equitable fare structures based on distance travelled? It seems that Green Line passengers are being discriminated against.
Having taken Mary Harney's advice to "shop around", I find that yet again this Government is implementing anti-consumer policies and contributing to the ongoing rip-off. - Yours, etc.,
DAVE DEIGHAN, Sandford Avenue, Donnybrook.