Privatisation may be just the ticket
And we have all been affected by the recent actions of CIÉ to try to stop this privatisation. As someone who uses public transport, I feel privatisation might not be so bad.
The provision of adequate public transport is vital. However, in Cork we still have an inadequate bus service and timetables. Our bus terminal is an embarrassment; all the rural bus routes are run from matchbox-like premises. The "helpful staff" and "friendly bus drivers" don't exactly attract one into using this service on a regular basis.
And as for the trains, on Tuesday, February 10, I sat on the 7.10am Cork-Dublin train in Kent station for an hour. No explanation, announcement or apology was made. Eventually, we were moved to a train that took us to Mallow and then waited to change to the Tralee train arriving in Dublin an hour and a quarter later than usual.""
By contrast, the privatised Aircoach route from Dublin Airport to the city is a breath of fresh air. The customer gets a service that is run professionally and the staff are friendly and courteous.
The money we pay in fares and in taxes should guarantee us a decent public transport service from CIÉ. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Therefore, I feel that the public would favourably accept the privatisation of CIÉ and its parts.
After all, any change in the current service would be an improvement.
Kevin Murphy
Westcourt Heights
Ballincollig
Co Cork
