Train tickets, age discrimination, vaccine disinformation and train etiquette

In MetroTalk: Readers discuss pay-as-you-go train tickets, herd immunity and Angela Rayner’s multiple homes(Picture: Getty Images)

Do you agree with our readers? Have your say on these MetroTalk topics and more in the comments.

Is digital convenience creating age discrimination?

I am 75 and don’t deal in ‘apps’ – I can’t even get some store loyalty cards because I don’t deal with the internet. Why is this rubbish being forced on my generation? It’s discrimination. Jennifer, Surrey

‘We must address the harmful spread of anti-vaccine disinformation’, says reader

This reader says vaccination rates have dropped below the herd immunity requirements(Picture: Getty Images)

It is great news that chickenpox will be included in the combined vaccine along with measles, mumps and rubella from January (Metro, Fri). However, your article highlighted low childhood vaccination rates, which are well below the 95 per cent needed for herd immunity.

One of the reasons for this is anti-vaccine disinformation online. False claims, baseless conspiracy theories and cherry-picked statistics gain traction and lead many to question the safety of vaccines – despite overwhelming evidence from scientists and healthcare professionals.

The consequences are severe – not only are individuals put at risk but the health of entire communities are jeopardised. We have seen this with Covid-19 and the resurgence of diseases such as measles.

We can and must do better in addressing the harmful spread of anti-vaccine disinformation and challenging the bad faith actors who are spreading these lies. Mark Dawes, London

Reader comments on the ‘tactless timing’ of Rayner’s third-home acquisition

Regarding Angela Rayner’s three dwellings. It is reported she paid a lower stamp duty rate on a Brighton & Hove apartment on the basis it was her main residence. She had, though, listed her Greater Manchester home as her primary property, which means she saved on around £2,000 oncouncil tax on her grace-and-favour flat in London.

As deputy PM and housing secretary, Ms Rayner (right) is in a position to receive supreme taxation guidance, so her financial dealings should be lawful.

However, the tactless timing of Rayner’s third-home acquisition may prove reputationally damaging, given many less privileged Labour supporters continue to fret about unaddressed poverty, widening inequality and deficient housing. Robert Hughes, London

This reader says says given her position as deputy PM and housing secretary, Rayner’s financial ‘dealings should be lawful’ (Picture: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Turn down the tunes, reader advises

I am bemused passengers are being encouraged to use headphones when listening to music so as not to disturb others when I have very often been disturbed by their music even when headphones are being used.

Also, people have to be advised that, over time, this kind of volume can destroy their own hearing. Christina Egan, London

What are your thoughts? Have your say in the comments below