BUS PATRONAGE DECREASING

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30167, 26 June 1963, Page 16

BUS PATRONAGE DECREASING

“Matter Of Grave Concern”

Although the revenue in the four weeks ended May 26 was £2861, or 5.6 per cent, more than in the corresponding period last year because of increased fares, the number of passengers was still decreasing, the deputy-chairman of the Christchurch Transport Board (Mr E. J. Bradshaw) said at a meeting of the board. “This decline is a matter of grave concern to the board,” he said. During the period reviewed there were 173,666 fewer passengers than in the same period in 1962 a decrease of 9.4 per cent., which was in line with the recent forecast of a 9 per cent, decline for this time of year, said Mr Bradshaw. The increased fares brought in an extra £968 cash, nineride cards brought an additional £315, and 20-ride cards £1751 more. There was a decrease of £1 in the school and apprentice tickets, and receipts from city and harbour tours decreased by £45. There was a working surplus of £2716, which was £l6B more than the corresponding total for last year, but it was £lO2 less than the sum estimated, said Mr Bradshaw.

“This is the time of the year when the returns are at their worst level, and it is hoped that the approaching spring and summer will bring about a higher rate of revenue increase,” he said.