Jos Nagle's letter (The Weekend Sun, June 25, page 24) with his ‘visionary' submission – change to sustainable transport for Light Rail along Cameron Road deserves comment as clearly he has not thought about the economics. Having spent a number of years in the rail industry, including supplying Light Rail system prices to the Auckland Transport Committee, then later joining the Auckland Rail Project office, contributing to the justification and decisions for Light Rail in Auckland, Mr Nagel's vision is faulty.

Firstly, Light Rail is very expensive, it is great for mixed traffic usage, preferably with a dedicated corridor. But it requires a heavy patronage to justify its significant installed cost plus meet its depreciation charges and the ability of the public to ignore the necessary catenary fabrications overhead and at street level for the power source.

I very much doubt that Tauranga can justify Light Rail costs (possibly $500 million or more), or that it will have the patronage levels for this type of system.

Overall rail does not compete favourably with the recognised much lower costs per ‘bottoms on seats and flexibility that bus transport provide. TCC's decided route and frequency, together with the correct size of electric powered buses is obviously paramount (to meet the frequency), in a dedicated bus corridor - has TCC done these sums? This solution will be a fraction of the cost that the 'in-vogue” Light Rail systems involves. Not to mention maintenance and technology support costs.

David Hallett, Mount Maunganui.