Sir, - It is iniquitous and unreal to expect someone who has got a docket for 15p to spend twice 85p in going on an unwanted return journey to cash it.
What does this say about CIE's attitude to its customers? The fact that thousands of pounds' worth of dockets remain uncashed indicates that there are many thousands of customers out there feeling they've been badly done by. The present system is also highly unfair to their own staff as it puts drivers in a negative role vis-a-vis their passengers.
There's a simple solution out there already in operation in various other European cities. Why not have books of bus tickets available through newsagents convenient to bus stops? No problems with change. No alienation of customers. Dublin Corporation's Office of the Director of Traffic has been operating this system satisfactorily for a number of years where parking discs are concerned.
If CIE doesn't reconsider its present system of requiring exact amount fare payment I suggest we force it to by taking the requirement literally and by paying 85 single pennies each time. I've already started saving my change. - Yours, etc.,
Michael Gorman, Park Avenue, Sandymount, Dublin 4.