Transport Board Loss Last Year Was £158,513

Press, Volume C, Issue 29502, 2 May 1961, Page 14

Transport Board Loss Last Year Was £158,513

Although there was an increase in revenue of £12,081, operating expenses of the Christchurch Transport Board rose by £26.156 and the loss for the year ended March 31 last was £158.513. TTiis loss is £4656 greater than for the previous year. The board's annual accounts show that 21,614.700 passengers were carried during the year—lB9,24o more than the previous year—and that the total mileage was 4.464.456. or 50.194 miles more. Fare revenue increased by £ 10.801 Other items of revenue which showed increases were special buses (£1358) and advertising on buses (£471) The deficit for the year includes £24.127 loan charges on old tramway loans, and the loan liability at March 31 was £876.216. Commenting on the accounts, the general manager (Mr J. F. Fardell) said operators’ wages increased by £20.124. The increased Court order, from 18 per cent to 24 per cent, was effective for the whole financial year compared with only six months in the previous year. Although there wak an increase in the mileage, reductions in the price of diesel fuel and a saving in wages on the refuelling of buses had decreased the cost of this section by £l4BB. he said. Re-

pairs and maintenance cost £3067 more. The financial result of the year's operation was £9382 better than estimated, and had it not been for new awards, the Court order and a service increment, there would have been a profit on operations. When reviewed in the light of increased competition from power-cycles, cycles, and cars, increased wages and the Court order, and an antecedent tramway debt, the financial position was as good as could be expected, said Mr Fardell. City’s Growth “The continual outgrowth of the city still adds a considerable burden to peak loading problems, but in spite of all these difficulties, the board’s operating costs are still one of the lowest in the Dominion. It is only by constant attention to detail, coupled with the cooperative help of a willing staff, that enables this position to be maintained “

"Hie chairman (Mr 3 Palmer) warned members that with wage increases from time to time, consideration would have to be given to changing the fare structure. “All these increase* add to the expenses. We may have to consider reviewing fares and concession cards or increasing some of the section

prices. Our first section is 3d. and most other cities charge 5d or 6d. In my opinion we will have to review our charges in the light of the accounts—fares should pay operating expenses,” he said. Fare Increase Opposed Mr R. H. Stillwell said he would oppose any increase in fares. “There is no substantial increase in the loss over last year, and I see no reason for a change.” “The board milst look at something in order to recoup its losses.” said Mr J. Shankland. “I feel our fare structure can bear investigation, although I would not agree with an over-all increase—that will drive passengers away.”