Sir, - I refer to Mr Walker's letter (June 4th) in which he cites London, Paris, Madrid, Moscow and Vienna as examples of major cities with underground railway systems. Each of these, he claims is ". . . a vast metropolis with millions of citizens". He claims that "Dublin does not come anywhere near their requirements in mass transit."
As a resident of Vienna, I would like to point out that the city's population of approximately 1.5 million is beautifully served by an underground rail system consisting of five lines which have all been constructed over the past 20 years. Where there is space, the system runs over ground and reaches far into the suburbs. it has replaced many of the tram lines which are considered to be dangerous in busy, city centre streets.
The underground system is complemented by a tram and bus system in which these vehicles have right of way over private road users. Vienna city centre which is smaller than the centre of Dublin, has dense commuter traffic but is extremely accessible at all times due to the efficient underground rail system.
An underground is an expensive option but, if at all feasible it is an investment for which future generations will be grateful. Yours, etc.,
Vienna,
Austria.