Randoms reminder

Press, 3 June 1981, Page 30

Randoms reminder

HOLD VERY TIGHT PLEASE, TING TING

An Avonside reader has returned thankfully from an overseas trip to the North Island. While in foreign parts she ha'd occasion to visit and — even worse — spend some time in that area sprawling between the Manukau and the Waitemata. That is, everything north of Hamilton. . While unwilling to admit that the shabby and sullen Northerners have anything to offer to the Mainland, our fart-minded traveller does admire the Auckland Regional Authority’s bus service. It is a service whose every suburban stopping-place provides a timetable and a route map. The quality of detail is such that any stranger might know where she—was. where she had been, where she might go, and how long she

would have to wait. The city terminus is weatherproof. Loading is quick, with the standard-fare no-change-given just-drop-banknotes-in-the-transparent strongbox system. The cheerful drivers, handling 10,000 kg diesels like M.G. Midgets, have trained other traffic, to keep out of the way. And in off-peak hours the fares under several concession schemes are comparable to Christchurch taxi fares. Auckland taxi fares, be it noted, are comparable to the cost of flying to Sydney. Mind you, at peak hours the Auckland fares for bus travel rise somewhat higher. But then, anyone who attempts to get from any part of Auckland to any other part at any time, let alone the rush hours, quickly and cheaply, let alone at all, needs their head read.