TRAM FARES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 39, 15 February 1934, Page 6

TRAM FARES.

I see by the "Star" that Mr. Blood worth is reported to have said that those who do not use the trams should have to contribute towards the cost of running them. This is a most extraordinary, statement. Whether he means the motorist or those living about the centre of the city we are left to guess, 'but I think he means the motorist. In any case, it is evident that he 'has not kept pace with the march of events. Most Aucklanders know that trams are obsolete, and if they had had a chance of voting for either trackless trams or buses they would have never carried the loan for the extensions of the lines. The motorist is already taxe4 over 200 per cent on his benzine and lubricating oils and heavily on his car and spare parts, and in spite ofi this it requires special legislation to keep the trams running. The fares are far too high, considering the scanty earnings of the wageearners. Take a girl or youth earning 15/ or £1 a week (some get less). # If they live on the third or fourth section, it will take a third of their earnings for fares, and the whole is subject to the wages tax. I know of a. number who are in this unfortunate position, and Mr. Bloodworth or anybody else will never cure it by hanging on to obsolete modes of transport and then resorting to unjust restrictions on motors to save the situation. The Transport Board was talking of selling the buses. It should sell the trams, too. It is high time the suburbs were placed in a better position in regard to transport. TALK SENSE.