Sadly for Mr Peters (Letters, August 10), this letter will not be brief.

The Keanes (Letters, August 10) are quite right: irrespective of cost, the Metrolink service is appalling.

The reason is that the service has expanded way beyond the capability of the track providing the service. The track was not designed to cope with a frequent service, particularly in the Cornbrook area.

At Cornbrook at least another pair of tracks is needed, especially with the projected connection to the Trafford Centre.

The main problem is that the increase is politically driven, by politicians who have no idea about the traffic flow on the existing tracks.

Metrolink are trying to provide an 'Underground' type service on a system that was designed for local trains and the occasional long distance train.

Recently we had the usual failure of points at Cornbrook: this occurs so often that one wonders if Metrolink might do better to have a man manually operating the points!

A short while ago, there was virtual complete shut-down of the system. Staff appeared, explaining that the Control Centre had had a fire, and systems had shut down.

Did they put on replacement buses? Of course not - that would cost them money,and all Metrolink are after is profit, at whatever cost to the public.

Most people realise that Metrolink's main objective is not to provide a good service, but to maximise the profit for their shareholders.

As long as a public transport system is run by a (foreign) private company, the public will suffer,with no redress.

If Metrolink had had the least concern for the users, a replcament bus service should have been brought in immediately they had the Control breakdown.

They should not be allowed to increase fares until they can provide a totally reliable service that provides immediate alternatives in the event of breakdown.

That would justify the existing high prices of travel.

David Olliver, Altrincham