TRAM CONGESTION

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 231, 30 September 1930, Page 7

TRAM CONGESTION

SUGGESTED REMEDIES.

ALBERT STREET PROPOSAL.

DETERRED THREE MONTHS. TEAXSPORT BOAED DISCUSSION. Congestion of tramway traffic in Queen- Street and suggested remedies were discussed by the Auckland Transport Board this morning, when a report was brought down by the manager, Mr, A. E. Ford, with proposals for remedying the present position. Mr. Ford reported in. favour of the Albert Street line, while Mr. E. H. Potter suggested that a trial should be given to routing at the rush hours between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. After discussion, the whole question was deferred for three months Mr. Ford, in hie report, submitted a schedule dealing with the method oi running cars one way only througl Queen Street. By this method of operation, he explained, 2171 trips would be run through Queen Street daily in botli directions, as compared with 2799 trips at present. He did not think .this arrangement would be acceptable to a large section of the public, owing to the inconvenience and in some instances higher fare and longer time of journey occupied in reaching their destination Manager Favours Albert Street. Mr. Ford concluded his report as follows: — "As stated in my two previous reports, I favour the construction of the Albert Street line, as I am definitely oi the opinion that this would give the necessary relief to Queen Street, particularly at the junctions of Customs Street and Wellesley Street, and at the same timemvould enable passengers tc be picked up and set down in close proximity to Queen Street, the greatest loading centre of the system, facilitate a more rapid dispatch of cars through the city, and give the necessary facilities for the effective handling of traffic to and from the new railway station." Considerable Concern. The chairman, Mr. J. A. C. .Alluin, said that congestion in Queen Street at rush hours was giving the board considerable concern. The permanent solution of the matter was to carry out the Albert Street extension as recommended by the manager. The board could not ignore the fact that there was opposition to this proposal, based on the fear that the diversion of traffic would affect business interests in Queen Street. There was also a general suggestion that the board should not add to its capital expenditure. The board's first consideration was the needs and convenience oi the travelling public, but it did not disregard the views expressed by business men, who could reasonably claim that their interests should not be disturbed except for the strongest reasons. The Albert Street extensions had been cle liberately designed to improve trans port facilities without disturbing busi ness interests. An alternative was thai the board should extend the principh of one-way traffic—that all cars shouk pass through Queen Street from oni suburban terminus to another, and not as was the case ill some instances ai present, run from any suburban termi mis to the foot of Queen Street am return over the same route. This would reduce Queen Street congestion, and ai the same time lengthen certain journeys The board had no desire unnecessarily to add to its capital expenditure, ant! although it was felt that the Albert Street extension would permanently relieve congestion, it was disposed tc make a trial of the foregoing suggestion. Passengers to Ponsonby and Dominion Road and passengers from Mount Eden would be affected "by the proposed change. . This would displease all passengers affected. No experiment could be countenanced at the 'present time which might result in reducing receipts, and it was proposed to take additional time to consider the question The proposal to extend one-way traffic had not emanated from the board, bul it had to be considered seriously. Ratepayers to Decide. "If the scheme is given a trial and it fails," said Mr. AUum, "then the Albert Street extension will be submitted to i poll of ratepayers, and-it is to be statec quite definitely that the'board has nc idea of attempting to construct thi: extension without first obtaining specifii authority from the ratepayers. Jus now all sections of the community an passing through a difficult time, and i may prove better for the board to defe the whole proposal for some consider able time rather than add to the diffi cutties of the people at this juncture although the fears of some can be con sidered groundless." Mr. Alluin moved that the manager', reports regarding the reduction of con gestion in Queen Street be deferred fo: one month. Mr. M. J. ' Coyle: Make it thret months. The Chairman: I will accept that. The motion was seconded by Mr. G Baildon. "Much Exaggerated." Mr. E. H. Potter said the congestion in Queen Street had been very much exaggerated. The "rush" was between 4 and 6 p.m. It occurred at no other time. The. routeing should only take place between those hours. No trams should leave the bottom of Queen Street during the time of the "rush" period. Anzac Avenue and Hobson Street had not been sufficiently used. If those streets were used more considerably it would be to the advantage of the public and the board. He would like to see even more traffic in Queen Street. Mr. G. Ashley said it would be difficult to educate- tne public to Ue suggested change. "One-way System Unpopular." Mr. Coyle said the one-way system suggested would prove the most unpopular move ever made by the board. It would be taking the-public away from homo to get them home, if he could be permitted the use of an Irishism. Auckland was the only place in New Zealand or Australia that had shown a surplus last year. The board'should not tinker with the system. Mr. Potter: I have made a suggestior from the manager's own reports. Mr. Wood: Why not ask for a specia report? ' •• l .' " ■ - Mr. Coylc said the public had a say, bir Queen Street or Albert Street did no have it all. They should aim at a cheap efficient and fast service. The trams musi be speeded up. No section of the com

munity liad a right to dictate to the board. The great travelling public had to be .considered. Mr. A. J. Entrican said there- would always be congestion at certain hours. Mr. Potter's suggestion, if carried into effect, would mean that the. board, would be jumping out of the fryingpan into the lire. Mr. E. J. Phelan pointed out that if Albert Street was not used the passengers froiri the new railway station would not be adequately catered for. One-way traffic was the only solution of the difficulty. He was not prepared to sacrifice the travelling public to any single interest. Mr. E. Morton said the rolling-stock was increasing, and the board had to make provision for extra traffic. Bad Time for Experiment. "I want to point out that it is a question of whether the present time is safe to try the experiment." said Mr. AUum, in reply. "Personally I don't think it is." They should not try any experiment which might disturb their satisfactory financial position. He thought it better to defer the matter for a long time. The question of the railway station had to be considered, and by deferring the question for three months experience would be gained in handling the traffic. There was a tremendous amount of work involved—considerably more than the public realised. It was fatal to public convenience to run trams to one terminus from two starting points. The motion to defer the reports for three months was adopted.