Buses show way

I SEE new hybrid buses on the streets of Edinburgh, and note that each carries more seated passengers than a tram which costs six times as much.

The hybrids represent the real future, and point a mocking finger at the now non-existent economic case for the trams. They are modern, comfortable, quiet, very fuel-efficient, and a pleasure to behold. They are able to travel anywhere within the city without the expense of a massive dedicated infrastructure. Their major strength lies in flexibility, against which the tram is perceived as a lumbering relic of a bygone age, looking very sick indeed.

Edinburgh councillors say that they have made “the right decision” to continue with the tram, but present only assertions in the place of supporting evidence. Now they are set to enter into a new agreement with the contractors to press on regardless. If they had an ounce of sense, they would put the ultimate decision to a referendum.

Stephen Druitt OBE

Dalrymple Crescent

Edinburgh