Bus patronage still rising

Press, 10 October 1984, Page 1

Bus patronage still rising

Patronage of Christchurch Transport Board buses continues to rise.

Figures for the month to September 16 show that patronage for the period was up almost 10 per cent on last year. Patronage has been rising steadily in recent months but only at the rate of about 6 per cent. Passenger journeys for the four-week period were ahead of the corresponding period last year by 113,805, said Mr C. L. Sugden at the board's monthly meeting yesterday.

“Undoubtedly the rise may have had something to do with devaluation and the increase in the price of petrol but I am not sure to what extent,” he said.

Mr Sugden said the increase in patronage was offset by the rise in operating costs.

“Operating expenses for the period were ahead of estimate 4.4 per cent and ahead of the same period last year 9.2 per cent. This is the first period in which the full effect of the diesel fuel price increase is shown,

hence fuel costs were $27,476 or 20 per cent above estimate for the period,” he said.

Mr P. V. Neary said that the board could only gain from the increase in fuel prices and its effect on the pocket of the motorist. “Forty-four cars were stolen in Christchurch during the week-end. If more people travelled by bus they would not have to worry about the security of their cars in town,” he said.

Mays Road The earliest buses could

be travelling on the proposed extension to the Mays Road run would be next May.

Mr Neary said that he was yet to meet residents of the area.

Last month a big group objected to the proposed extensions, saying that the route would pass through narrow, tree-lined streets which were totally unsuited to bus traffic. It was also thought the buses would be a danger to children. Mr Neary will report back to the board after meeting the residents.