Trains will always fail, but rescue systems must not

Does the Dubai Metro's safety process need updating? Other topics: EPL pay, Iraq PM and US riots.

Metro incident shows the RTA needs to improve its breakdown management. Photo: Razan Alzayani / The National

In regard to your editorial, Breakdown can provide a lesson for the Dubai Metro (August 14), the problem was not the mechanical failure that hit the Metro but about how the RTA faced it.

Any system will fail but the priority should have been to serve the customers who paid to travel.

My opinion is the RTA was inadequately prepared for such a contingency. There did not seem to be an SOP (standard operating procedure) on how to handle a situation like this. I saw that the RTA officers did not allow the emergency door to be opened so passengers could leave the station because the SOP perhaps did not detail this option in an emerergency.

I would say this ought to serve as a wake up call for the RTA to improve its emergency SOPs.

Rukshan Deva-Adithiya, Dubai

This incident where commuters were stranded for hours during the rush hour should serve as a lesson to all.

This issue makes me question whether the Metro is able to accommodate the growing number of passengers. The RTA must ensure it is fully prepared to face crises such as this and other emergency situations. This must include having contingency plans.

In addition, more trains should be deployed so that delays and inconvenience can be avoided. Finally, better communication with Metro users and being transparent about these issues is likely to help avoid the risk of chaos.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

The Metro’s operations centre should have the ability to see electrical and mechanical problems within the network. A scenario such as a power outage ought to raise an immediate alarm, triggering a response mechanism.

Communication is another key factor to any emergency response plan, along with training. This could be accomplished through simulations or drills designed to get people to understand their roles and responsibilities when it comes to emergency response.

Randall Mohammed, Dubai

EPL players’ pay is out of control

Your article about the money paid to English Premier League players (Mammoth pay rates show sportspeoples' new role, August 14) shows that this issue is out of control.

Nobody should forget that the Premier League was created in 1992 solely for the purpose of making more money through television rights and advertising.

If you want to watch real football where the players actually have to work hard and is affordable, then watch the Football League instead.

Marty Fullard, Abu Dhabi

They get paid too much money – and then we have to pay top prices to go see them. It’s just not right.

Lisa Baldwin, Dubai

These players are paid far too much money. I would rather see that money go to charities so from time to time a little something could go to volunteers who do amazing work.

Jen Bishop, Abu Dhabi

Al Abadi faces a mammoth task

With regard to your report, PM-designate Al Abadi vows to unify Iraq against extremists (August 16), the biggest challenges facing Haider Al Abadi are the increasing threats posed by militants across the country and Iraqi unity.

He needs to strengthen his army first and then gain the confidence of his people to fight the threats to the country’s sovereignty.

The different factions of Iraq’s various religious and other types of groups have to understand the value of freedom and their individual rights. However they must also ensure that the country is united and committed to safeguard the people and its resources.

Ever since the end of the Saddam Hussein era, there have been displaced people in Iraq. Now the challenges are much higher, requiring support from people from all walks of life.

The primary focus should be ensuring the safety of Iraq’s people. Let the leadership of Mr Al Abadi herald a fresh chapter for the long-suffering Iraqi community.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

How to decrease anger in Missouri

In reference to your story about the riots in Missouri (Images from Ferguson fuel outrage at police tactics in US, August 15), this mostly became a protest against strongarm police tactics.

Both sides have the ability to de-escalate the situation quickly to avoid further violence. The police have changed their tactics and instead of police in full tactical gear, they have reverted to officers in standard blue uniforms. In response, the protestors have limited their protest to mostly peaceful demonstrations, staying off the streets and restricting their marches to the sidewalks.

The use of rubber bullets and smoke grenades have ceased. The police commander has stated that the people have a right to peaceful protest.

I think it’s a thin line between police tactics and civil rights. It comes down to trust.

Name withheld by request