Off-peak fares pay

Press, 8 September 1982, Page 6

Off-peak fares pay

Off-peak half-price bus fares introduced by the Christchurch Transport Board on August 16 appear to have increased patronage. Figures for the first two weeks of the new schedule, given at the board's monthly meeting yesterday, showed an increase in patronage of between 6 per cent and 8 per cent. The new schedule, which will run for a trial period of eight months, halves all week-day fares in the offpeak hours between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and after 6 p.m. Fares are halved on all week-end services. The new fare structure also applies to the schedule of surcharges for journeys starting or ending outside the board’s district. The board’s general manager. Mr M. G. Taylor, said that patronage increased 6 per cent in the first week and 14 per cent in the

second, compared with similar periods last year. “This figure of 14 per cent is misleading because it is matched against an abnormally low week last year. A more correct figure would be about 8 per cent,” Mr Taylor said.

Radio telephone Radio telephones will be installed in another 55 buses in the board's fleet, at a cost of $90,000. Almost 18 months ago 44 buses were equipped with radio telephones, and their usefulness has prompted the lastest move.