TRAMS TO GO

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 116, 12 November 1938, Page 11

TRAMS TO GO

BUS SERVICE INSTEAD

TWO CHRISTOHURCH ROUTES

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, This Day.

As a first step towards the initiation of a Diesel bus service to replace the [existing tram service on the OpawajFendalton and St. Martin's routes, the Christchurch Tramway Board at its meeting today decided to apply to the Local Government Loans . Board for permission to borrow £20,000 as a first instalment on the purchase of the necessary vehicles. The works and traffic committee'! report, which was adopted, stated that, the renewal of the tram, tracks on the Opawa-Fendalton route would involve relaying them in the centre ,of the road. The cost would amount to £36,130 and would result in little improvement from the point of view of tram passengers as the present cays would have to be retained. ,- • It was considered that thirteen buses would be required to replace the seven trams and two trailers used on thif route during peak periods. An annual charge of £4063 would be involved m the replacement of the trams . with Diesel buses, the annual charges oti £36,130. The expenditure required-to renew the tram track would be £29,301. It was estimated ttiat if Diesel buses were acquired the difference in the annual charges (£1133) would be made up by a reduction in operating costs and improved revenut.