I agree with Josh Cole (The Weekend Sun, June 18, page 30) about a passenger train for Tauranga.

I don't agree, however, that we have to accept the continuous stalling of building the much-needed bypass on State Highway 2.

In an ideal world we would all use public transport more often and have more people riding bicycles rather than driving cars. The reality is that most people prefer to drive cars on our roads and will continue to do so.

Government officials continue to pour money into cycle lanes that are an under-utilised thing of the past.

What is more important? Saving precious lives on our roads and satisfying thousands of commuters by way of safer and more efficient travelling by building the way overdue State Highway 2 bypass, or continuing to build cycle lanes that, despite the best intentions for their use, are a way under-used hopeful ideal?

Give the commuting public who drive on State Highway 2 everyday what they want, and more so what they need - a safe and efficient bypass just like the highly efficient and economically productive Eastern Link Toll Road.

Fabian Lukich, Te Puke.