TRAM SERVICES.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19258, 13 March 1928, Page 13

TRAM SERVICES.

WINTER TIMETABLE. REDUCTIONS NOT ACCEPTABLE. A suggestion by the Works and Traffic Committee of the Tramway Board that slight reductions in certain services should be approved of during the winter months was not received whole-heartedly by the Board. The Committee's report .-aid: "In view of the drop in traffic usually experienced during the winter months, consideration has been given to a reduction in services, but a careful review of the position has caused the Committee to decide that anything approaching a substantial reduction in services would not be advisable. The Commute has, however, approved of a slight reduction in tho Cashmere Hills service on Sunday mornings and on Saturday afternoons. The Sunday morning services to New Brighton and Sumner will also be changed a little. A rearrangement of three trips affecting the terminal loop of the lliccarton line will also be made, resulting in a small saving. The first bus trips in from Bryndwr, Shirley, and Avonside are so poorly patronised that they will be cut out during the winter months. It is proposed also to discontinue the trips to and from Avonside after 6.10 p.m., but not on Fridays. This step is necessary because of the poor traffic at these times, particularly during the winter months, and the big deficiency there is on the working of this bus service as a whole." Mr W. J. Walter moved that the clause be referred bade to the Committee for further consideration. He did not consider the Tyus services should be reduced.

Mrs E. R. McCombs''objected, to the clause also. Christchurch had less frequent services during the day than any other city, and should be endeavouring to increase rather than decrease the number of trips run. Mr W. Hayward said that they were not getting anywhere when these matters were referred back. Where traffic returns absolutely did not justify it, it was not sound finance or sound business to continue the services. The motion was carried.