Illegal vehicles could have a role to play

Your editorial, Is there a place for 'grey' buses? (July 24), addresses the problem of illegal taxis and minibuses catering for low-income passengers.

Obviously, the drivers of these vehicles are filling a massive void. I have lived in countries where this type of service exists and it is either already legitimate or becoming so.

The existing choice here seems to be between a few buses that run on select routes and can take up to two hours to complete their journey, or taxis that are too expensive for many workers. This breeds the environment for the illegal taxis to operate.

Make them legal and oversee them, so passengers and drivers can be protected. This will not diminish the number of people taking taxis. The people who already take taxis will continue to do so, and those who can’t will continue to use these other services.

Claudia Gabriel, Dubai

I think that people on low incomes should be able to share taxis.

Tarique Kamal, Abu Dhabi

Taxi fares should be lower. People only use the illegal services because they charge less.

Name withheld by request

The problem with allowing these vehicles is that you wouldn’t be insured if anything happened.

Loretta Ward, Dubai

Muslim ban is not the answer

I refer to Faisal Al Yafai's Facebook Live broadcast about his column, Syria is collapsing – and could take Turkey and Europe with it (July 19).

I am in Australia, and people are especially scared after the attacks on Nice and other western cities.

Now there is wide support among the Australian public for a ban on Muslim immigration. This is clearly not the solution, yet the idea has been gaining ground.

Sonja Minic, Australia

Supercar drivers need extra tests

I refer to Call for restrictions on young drivers (July 23).

As this country has one of the highest per-capita numbers of supercars, why is there not a special licence as there is elsewhere? This would require a separate test for those driving these powerful cars.

I Douglas, Dubai

Debt woes can be addressed

I am writing about The Debt Panel: Dubai IT professional earning Dh10,600 has built up almost Dh700,000 in debt with 14 financial institutions (July 18).

The situation of this person calls for proper financial advice. As mentioned by one of the panelists, he needs to contact the banks and explain the situation. The next step is to see which bank is charging him the lowest interest rate and try to consolidate the debt with that bank. Even a small difference of 100 basis points per month would enable him to save money on repayments.

For any remaining debt that is not consolidated, he should check the amortisation plan of the loan. Most bank loans have a deferment option that can be availed twice a year. He should seek deferments and try to organise payments according to the schedule given.

He can’t pay the entire debt in one go, but he can rid of it over several years.

Fahd Riz, Dubai

Portable music device missed

On The National's Facebook page, you asked what old technology we feel nostalgic about (The VCR tunes out, July 23).

I nominate the Walkman. Mathew Litty, Dubai

Critic is wrong about album

I don't agree with your reviewer, Adam Workman's, take on The Avalanches' album Wildflower (July 19).

This is a beautifully crafted piece of 21st century art. You can big up your summer by getting hold of a copy as soon as possible.

I just wish it was twice as long and was part 1 of 20. They are great artists and should be respected as such.

Listen to Saturday Night Inside Out. You will dance.

Drew I, Dubai