Sir, - Tom McGuinn's criticism of Iarnrod Eireann (April 2nd) would be understandable if he imagines that the mission statement of that organisation contains some aspirations towards transporting passengers from A to B in a fast, comfortable manner. Alas, no.Management has clearly put a great deal of thought into how to frustrate and delay passengers as much as possible. For proof of the success of this policy, I suggest observing the rush-hour proceedings at Pearse or Tara Street stations, where everyone trying to exit these premises and get to work is channelled through one narrow gate, at which there is regimental importance attached to collecting tickets. This policy is at its most successful when trains arrive at both platforms simultaneously, and both sets of passengers converge on the single exit together. The rail rage then soars to near coronary levels.Does anyone know why Iarnrod Eireann collects tickets at all, other than as part of its policy of obstructing passengers trying to leave their busiest stations? Are tickets not receipts for money paid, and if so can anyone think of any other organisation that issues receipts and then asks for them back (but only at selected sites where the practice will cause the customer the maximum inconvenience)? - Yours, etc., Aiden Traynor,
Rochestown Avenue,Dun Laoghaire,Co Dublin.