Distinct absence of transport integration

RETURNING to this litter-strewn country after a number of years’ absence brings with it the usual surprises, most of them unpleasant.

On a recent trip to Dublin, Bus Éireann in particular opened my eyes to how far Ireland has yet to progress in terms of transport integration and transport policy in general.

My first surprise was being told that a return ticket to Waterford was no longer available from Tramore, where I commenced my journey.

My second surprise was to find out that this bus service no longer served the train station. When enquiring as to what service included the train station, the third surprise emerged — no service existed.

Returning to Waterford later that day, the unedifying sight of a frail old lady dragging her bag 500 metres from the train station across seven busy thoroughfares to make her bus connection brought my blood to the boil.

Transport Minister Martin Cullen, who comes from this neck of the woods, will probably lay these decisions on some inept middle management, but it is his portfolio, and the responsibility lies with him to address this nonsense.

I briefly thought that if the people of Waterford were so passive as to accept this state of play then it was nothing less than they deserved, but perhaps they are just too brow-beaten to care.

Kieran Aylward

Doneraile Place

Tramore

Co Waterford