Christchurch bus service

Press, 1 April 1980, Page 16

Christchurch bus service

Sir, — Your correspond-' fent, T, N* D. Anderson (March 28), is correct in pointing out the shortcomings of the “dispatch system” used by the Christchurch Transport Board for evening and Sunday services. Every strength carried too far becomes a weakness and the C.T.B. seems to be obsessed with preserving the dispatch system whatever the cost* As a result ratepayers get only half the service they deserve at these times. Evening and Sunday services could be increased to all areas — without increasing the present number of buses or drivers, still allowing drivers a reasori-

able ’ (and necessary) recov-i ery period — just by some reorganisation. The essence of providing a connecting service could be retained but not, as now, at the expense of the majority, single-trip passengers.. In the inner suburbs, the most densely populated areas, the service could be as often as every .20 minutes. Despite the suggestion of . your editorial there is plenty that can be done, and ■ economically, to increase’ the frequency of bus sendees. — ; Yours, etc.*

D. A* WELCH, March 28, 1980*