Trams will be popular

Patrick Simpson (Letters, 29 July) is apparently not looking forward to the possibility of the speedy and reliable public transport promised by Edinburgh's proposed tramway, which he describes as an "absurd project". He prefers "our present efficient bus service", even though the buses are often held up by other traffic, and in some places can proceed only at a crawl.

If Edinburgh arranges things properly the trams should have priority over other traffic and should possess the ability to change traffic lights in their favour.

Modern trams should be quiet (rubber insulated wheels), speedy and efficient – an encouragement to motorists to leave their environmentally unfriendly vehicles at home.

Of course, what we are due to get in Edinburgh is merely a token tramway, but at least it will be a start. Few people have experienced modern trams, so many of us, especially motorists, are all "agin 'em". However, if we can work things right, once we've got them people will want more, as, I gather, in Nottingham, Manchester, Sheffield and Dublin.

P D HANCOCK

Priestfield Road

Edinburgh