January 24, 2002

Dear Sir,

My wife and I returned from Bermuda on January 10 after our annual trip "home".

Thought you might like some thoughts from a wannabe onion. First why are there no bus passes for 14 days? We come in late December and stay two weeks. It is foolish to buy a monthly pass when we arrive, as it will be over in seven days. It makes no economic sense to buy two seven-day passes when the cost is almost what a monthly costs.

Second, if you want to reduce the traffic volume and parking problems, why not make the bus and ferry free? It would increase employment and reduce traffic and pollution and save energy. I know this would not make the cab drivers happy but the majority of tourists will still use them. At least encourage car pooling with special parking lots and reduced rates for car pooling lots. Perhaps making alternate days of use based on odd and even last numbers of motorist tags?

Third, the tourism industry complains about less heads in beds. What does the Island offer now that others don't for far lower cost? The level of formality and civility that attracted so many is disappearing. Perhaps making a manners course mandatory at CedarBridge would help. The numbers of cruise ships in season has brought too many of the wrong crowd. They are rude, don't eat or sleep ashore and only benefit the "forty thieves".

Used to be one could go in a shop and the people would really try to help. Now they just ring up the sales and half the time without even a good morning. Last, we received mail today postmarked November 7.

Thanks for your ear.

AARON AND RONNY GRENLEY

Carefree, Arizona