ROAD SERVICES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 23, 7 November 1938, Page 7

ROAD SERVICES.

HIGH STANDARD OF EFFICIENCY (Per Press Association./ WELLINGTON, November 0. “It is gratifying to note that the standard of passenger service vehicles is being maintained at a high level of efficiency and comfort,” said the Minister of Transport (Hon. R. Semple), when commenting on the .number ol public motor passenger services licensed under the Transport Act. “The results of the year’s operations were highly satisfactory in every way,” said Mr Semple. “The number of passengers carried, the gross revenue and the aggregate profits are records for the industry. The number of vehicles’ miles increased from 22,800,000 in 1996-37 to 23,500,000 in 1937-38, or by 3 per cent . Passengers carried rose to a new high level from 21,500,000 in 1930-37 to 23,000,000 in 1937-38, an increase of 8.1 per cent.”

Referring to revenue, Mr Sempie said this advanced from £1,058,000 m 1936-37 to £1,147,000 in 1937-38, the increase in this ease being 8.4 per cent while the profits increased from £109,000 to £117,340 in 1937-38 or by 0.0 peg emit. “1 wish to congratulate the industry on its safety record. Over 23,000,000 passengers were carried during the year without a single fatality,” said the Minister. “Service ears and omnibuses shared the accident rate of 1.4 per million vehicle miles. If all other vehicles could show the same rate, w r c could reduce the total road accidents bv just under 70 per cent.”