Ted Petrie (The Sun, July 26) makes a good point that buses into the city are too slow for city workers, with a 55 minute trip from Papamoa to the city.
He proposes a trial of express buses, and this idea has merit, but we may right now have a great opportunity to do better. Auckland is about to launch its new electric suburban trains, so it may be possible to lease or buy say four of its present 30-plus year old ex TransPerth railcars for a trial of say three years.
Better still, a company such as Violia, who run the present Auckland trains, and who have experience, knowledge, skills etc may be prepared to do it for us. The point is that trains suitable for a trial are probably about to become available, hopefully at a modest price.
The railway is already there, and offers the opportunity for fast undelayed travel into the city. The stations just need to be platforms with bus shelters and adequately large park and ride areas.
I would suggest three routes: Mt Maunganui-Strand; Papamoa-Strand; and Te Puna-Strand. If the demand proved to be there, these could be extended to Omokoroa and Te Puke.
I believe that this possible opportunity is worth looking into.

Kevin Mooney, Papamoa.