Smoking On Buses Banned By Board

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32052, 29 July 1969, Page 1

Smoking On Buses Banned By Board

Passengers will not be allowed to smoke on Christchurch Transport Board buses after about August 11. The board decided yesterday to impose the ban, but did not give a definite date because the general manager (Mr J. F. Fardell) will have to produce window bills advising the prohibition.

The board’s unanimous decision was a foregone conclusion after discussions at two previous board meetings; and the approval of the works and traffic committee’s recommendation of a ban was a formality. The report commented that Christchurch was the only main centre in New Zealand where smoking on buses was permitted. It said that if there was a ban the cleanliness of buses would be improved, the stale smell of smoke would be eliminated and this would be beneficial to travellers. Costs of cleaning, handling rubbish and repairs to burns on floors and upholstery would be reduced, and with an extension of the life of Interior paintwork, a better appearance would be achieved at less cost. Drivers will probably be able to smoke in their buses while they are at a terminus. To Mr W. R. Campbell, Mr Fardell said that drivers in other centres where smoking was banned were allowed to remain in their buses for a smoke while waiting at a terminus, but if the weather

was good many of them went outside. Mr R. H. Stillwell sought a similar privilege for passengers, and said they could stop smoking when the bus moved on; but the board did not make any comment on the suggestion. Mr Stillwell, a campaigner against smoking on the ground of public health, said that while bus passengers would be deprived of their smoke on their way to work in the morning, board members who used their cars would still be able to smoke. He was interrupted by the acting-chairman (Mr S. E. Boanas) who said the discussion was not on public health, but on the convenience of passengers who did not smoke and the benefits to the board. Mr Stillwell said later he had intended to say that passengers might follow the example of board members and use their own cars, which would affect the board’s revenue. “Smoking is a pernicious habit," Mr Stillwell said. “If a human was meant "to smoke he would have been provided with a chimney or a hole in his head to get rid of the poisonous nicotine.” Mr Boanas: I think some of us might have that.

Mr Fardell said the Riccar-ton-Homby Jaycees were conducting a survey which included a question on a smoking prohibition on buses. Of the 60 per cent of answers examined so far, 58 per cent were in favour of a ban, 26 per cent were against and 16 per cent “did not mind.” It seemed that these percentages would be reflected in the final figures, Mr Fardell said, and if those who did not mind were regarded as being in favour of a ban there was a clear public preference. When Mr Stillwell asked whether the board had considered or was considering a ban on cigarette and tobacco advertising on buses, Mr Fardell said it had never been discussed. The only prohibition on advertising had been on bicycles in the time of two general managers before him. “I am not against advertising that is bringing in revenue,” Mr Stillwell said when Mr Boanas asked if he advocated a ban. Soft words will introduce the ban. The window bills will “courteously draw the travelling public's notice to the new order and request their kind cooperation in accomplishing and maintaining this desirable feature.”