Campaigners on the wrong track

Sir, – I disagree with James Robertson (Letters, August 29) that a railway to Leven would greatly help business.

It will remain far more convenient, quicker and cheaper to move by car, bus or cycle .

Most train trips involve going by car, bus or taxi to one station and then again from another.

Many homes, workplaces, and shops are within walking distance of a bus stop.

Very few are within similar reach of a train station.

For families train use is particularly difficult and costly and, given luggage requirements, the car will often be the best way to travel.

I doubt that a railway would help factories.

It is far cheaper and faster for trucks to move goods directly from one place to another than to load them on and off trains.

Only about 7% of freight is moved by rail

Most of that is bulk goods.

Improving and properly maintaining the road system would benefit many more people – and could be done more cheaply.

The railway is estimated to cost around £80 million.

Rolling stock and track access charges would increase this significantly.

Mr Robertson does not mention this.

The project would do little for the less well-off, the elderly (who can travel free by bus), youth or children.

The money could be used in far better ways, for example building around 1,000 small council homes for elderly people which would make more family homes available.

Supporters of the railway should say who they think should pay for it, why, and in what way. Kevin Lawrie.

347 Nicholson Street, Edinburgh.