Letters to the Editor, June 26, 2017

Why so many people want Uber legalised

Many who have used Uber have a good impression of it.

The cars are newer and cleaner than taxis, and this can help to allay concerns that some customers might have about their safety and hygiene.

Also, the drivers are generally polite. They will not complain about the distances the passenger wishes to travel, even if it is short or if the area of your destination is known for traffic jams.

Drivers’ trips are recorded, and so, if customers make a complaint, it can be checked. If a complaint proves to be valid, drivers can be ­punished.

Also, Uber does not charge very high amounts. For these reasons a lot of citizens are angry with the ­government for failing to ­legalise Uber.

There is concern that once Uber penetrates the market and possibly eventually dominates it, it will raise prices, justifying increases because it has to offer a reasonable return to the ­investors.

People may be right in ­making such a speculation. But I really welcome the wider choices that will be available to travellers in the city.

I also believe that, after all, fair competition in the transportation industry will come into play, which will lead to more ­enjoyable trips for commuters.

Randy Lee, Ma On Shan

Arrogant May has plunged UK into crisis

Grenville Cross, in true-blue empire mode, (“Theresa May must not let the EU hold Britain to ransom in Brexit talks”, June 14), lashes out at those bullies on the other side of the English Channel claiming they are thwarting Britain’s god-given right to rule the waves.

The arguments for and against remaining in the European Union have been argued to exhaustion, and Brexit has been triggered.

What Mr Cross has not taken into account is the weakness of Mrs May, and her equally inept colleagues, to convince the country that she has the ability to deliver on her promises.

She and her predecessor ­David Cameron have shown ­incompetence and naivety. Firstly, by initiating a referendum on EU membership, which was meant to unite the Conservative Party by confronting a perceived threat from the UK ­Independence Party, and secondly, with Thatcherite hubris, Mrs May called an unnecessary election, which misfired.

During the election, questions were raised as to why Mrs May, as home secretary, failed to curb immigration, made significant cuts to policing and pledged, as prime minister, to impose a “hard Brexit” on a country that has seen its currency plunge, its growth stagnate and its standing in the free world bruised by her cosying up to the most questionable regimes.

Even the most ardent right-wingers in her own party have lost faith in her ability to do ­anything but dither.

Jim Francis, North Point

School trips can have downsides

Some correspondents have backed the organising of more school trips, arguing that being outdoors can be good for ­students and diversify their ­education.

While I can see the benefits that have been described, it could lead to an increase in the workload for teachers.

They would have to do more preparatory work so that pupils are able to make the trips ­successfully, such as organising transportation. They would also have to talk to the pupils in class about what the trip will entail.

Also, it poses problems for students from low-income families. As these trips would involve some expense, it could be difficult for parents who are struggling with a very small ­income.

Some travel subsidies are available, but they are limited.

I am not against these trips, but schools must be sparing.

Patrick Leung, Tseung Kwan O

People should exercise on a regular basis

The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. Everyone benefits from exercise, regardless of age or gender.

Exercise can help people lose weight and keep that weight off as they burn a lot of calories.

Regular exercise means that people are able to have better overall health. It can improve heart and lung capacity.

People can do simple routines such as climbing stairs. What matters is consistency – having a fixed routine.

Tam Ming-yuet, Yau Yat Chuen

It is important to try and stay positive in life

I agree with correspondents who say that shopping is not the best way to deal with stress.

It is also wasteful. People who do a lot of shopping might not wear all the clothes they ­purchase, and so they might just be discarded and end up in ­landfills. And also, if they are not worn then the shoppers are wasting their money.

I believe the best way that young people can cope with stress is to communicate as much as possible with friends and family.

This can help to improve ­relationships and people can feel happier as a ­result of this.

Meeting with friends can really help people to deal with mental problems like stress.

It is also important, when looking at life and the challenges it can bring, for youngsters to ­remain positive.

They should have pastimes and activities that they enjoy, such as listening to music, playing sport and going out to eat in restaurants. With the right attitude, they can have an enjoyable school life.

I urge people to always try and remain positive about all aspects of their lives.

Jocelly Tse, Tseung Kwan O