The Shoppers’ Bus

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30642, 7 January 1965, Page 6

The Shoppers’ Bus

Sir, —I can add another possible source of falling revenue to that referred to in ‘‘Left at the Post’s” letter today. Travelling from Sydenham to the Square and arriving at Ballantyne’s corner, the driver was far too busy adjusting his cash, preparatory to handing over in the Square, to bother with at least five new passengers, who were told to pay the next driver. At the Square only the rear door was opened and our driver sauntered off towards the depot—leaving a queue waiting at the entry door for the new driver, not yet in sight.— Yours, etc., RATEPAYERSHAREHOLDER. December 28, 1964. [The General Manager of the Christchurch Transport Board (Mr J. F. Fardell) said: “It Is irregular for the driver to refuse to accept fares at the Cashel street stop. No action can be taken on this complaint. It would be more helpful if a complaint were made to the office, within 48 hours of the time of the occurrence to conform with the award, so that some action could be taken.”]

Sir, —If the Transport Board and the City Council realised that it is quicker to walk from Armagh street to Lichfield or Tuam streets than to try getting there by buses, which spend a lot of time in the Square, a shoppers’ bus might manage it better by filling up for that particular purpose. There are car parkers in Fitzgerald avenue from the country who walk to the city along Cashel street for lack of a time-table and quick service inward. The long waits in rain or heat in the Square while money and bus

drivers are exchanged behind closed doors is not conducive to bus patronage; families save up for cars, instead. Often these exchanges are made about Latimer square while passengers miss appointments and connexions of importance. Within walking distance; they sit waiting, expecting the bus to proceed. Strangers are often perturbed by such waits and take taxis on their next trips to the Square.—Yours, etc., FLEXIBILITY.

December 27, 1964. [The General Manager of the Christchurch Transport Board (Mr J. F. Fardell) said: “The various suggestions are noted. The changes of drivers at meal relief and change of shift times are necessary, but should be made as expeditiously as possible.”]