YOUR LETTERS

Dear Sir, I disagree with some of the comments in Viewpoint's “The Age of the Train” regarding “... only people who use public transport ... are tourists, people who can't drive or haven't got a car or motorbike.” Environmental issues aside, on a personal view, I often use the train service from Lloseta to Plaza España. At morning rush hours, such is the popularity of the train it is often standing room only after Inca. The station car parks along the track can be seen to be full of commuters' cars. As a pensioner, it costs me 1.80 euros return for which I enjoy a clean, air-conditioned journey in an environment free of smoking, drinking, eating and loud music. I have never encountered anti-social behaviour, indeed, some passengers take their seats with a “Bon Día” to other travellers. The service is half-hourly and takes about 33 minutes during which I can read or watch lovely Majorcan countryside. In contrast, should I drive, the diesel would cost me about 5 euros plus cost of parking in Palma plus risk of life, limb and no-claims bonus on the motorway, via cintura and the maelstrom of Palma traffic. Perhaps Jason Moore can access the T.I.B. statistics relating to current rail use and prove or disaprove his contentions.