Letters: Roads need better planning

Turret Rd morning traffic. Photo / File

Can you see the trains in Tauranga?

I raise this question because some people want trains for public transport when they are already here.

For instance, most of the carriages are privately owned. The owners buy them, insure them, fuel, maintain and clean them. They enjoy the many comforts like heating and cooling, soft seating, music and radio, weather protection and versatility.

Look down from the sky and you will see the trains forming as the carriages exit from garages and join together on the two-way tracks. Watch in wonder as carriages merge then leave the trains to form other trains. Marvel at the skill and care of the drivers as they reach their stations.

Finally understand that what you see and personally experience is the most enjoyable, cost-effective transport system yet devised by humans.

Now, tell the people, who make the tracks (roads) that we have paid the money and we want open, free-flowing roads for our trains.

Ken Evans
Tauranga

No bother with a hover

Why not use the sea to better advantage by introducing a fast hovercraft service with embarkation stations, say, at Omakoroa, Tauranga and Pāpāmoa?

In order to provide a fast, 24/7 service, two or more Dover-type units would likely be required.

Ian A McGregor
Bethlehem

Sign of the times

An $80,000 bill (News, May 13) for the opening of the Welcome Bay slip-way should have been solved for the cost of a sign.

A sign making cyclists stop and ensure it is clear for them to continue.

Jim Sherlock
Parkvale

Give way to buses

I love the buses. I appreciate the huge effort that is going into setting up a workable bus service in this city which is blessed (or cursed) with most complicated lay-out around harbour, coast and inland suburbs.

I long for the day when many people use the service and buses no longer run almost empty. I often wonder what can be done to help that happen.

One change seems reasonably doable. That is to give buses priority when they are pulling out from stops or changing lanes.

This is a change that requires no construction or orange cones to clutter the roads. Priority when indicating would enable buses to move more efficiently and to keep closer to time.

What would it take to give buses this priority?

Who would make the decision?

Mary Rose
Greerton

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