Letter: Back on track

I read with interest last week the accompanying piece to the story of the Edinburgh derailment regarding a decision taken in 2008 (28 July).

It stated that the city made a study in 2008 to the effect that if the suburban line became operational as a passenger line it would lose 2 million per year.

It seems a drop in the ocean compared with the cost of the trams and we would not have the view of the castle spoiled by overhead lines.

The existing rail could also easily have had a link built to the airport without the expense and disruption caused by the current works.

We have a network of rail lines in and around Edinburgh. Why were they not utilised? Some are derelict but the bed is still there. It's a shame we can't wind back the clock to when the tram decision was made.

With the cost that was to be involved I do think there should have been a referendum with the people - the rate payers - having a say in how their money was to be spent.

Elizabeth Taylor

Fourth Street

Edinburgh