TAXI-CABS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20089, 19 November 1930, Page 18

TAXI-CABS.

LIMITING THE NUMBER. J AN AUCKLAND MOVEMENT. [THE PRESS Special Service.] AUCKLAND, November 18. A determined effort to limit the I number of taxi-cabs in Auckland with ' the object of bringing about improved working conditions for their drivers is being made by a new combination oi owner-drivers called the Auckland transport and Touring Association of New Zealand. The hopes by inducing licensing authorities 10 impose stricter conditions before issuing licenses to ply for hire to bring about a gradual reduction in the number of taxi-cabs from 350, which is the approximate number on the road at present, to about 200. Outlining this proposal, the organiser'and secretary of the Association, Air A. R. 11. Wright, said that competition among taxi-drivers in Auckland was at present so keen and their linancial obligations wetre so heavy that only by remaining on duty 14 to 10 hours day was it possible to earn enough to pay instalments on their cars, running and repair bills, and insurance and registration charges. "At present, with a population of •211,000, Auckland has a taxi-cab to ©eery 600 people," said Mr Wright. "We think there should be on© cab to every 1000 people, which wiould mean reducing the number of taxis in Auckland from 350 to 200. That does not infer that a number of cabs should be put off the road. The process should be gradual and could be effected by declining to issue car licenses in place of those that lapse." Jlx Wrig,ht said that as the result of the taxi wars and fluctuation of fares arising out of them, many people were diffident about using taxis because they were never sure what the fare would be. His Association was in favour of a minimum fare to be fixed by the licensing authority. The Association had 207. members in Auckland. Membership was available for all persons licensed to ply* for hire on" land, sea, and air, so that launchowners and commercial air pilots might join.