AUCKLAND TRAMWAYS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 59, 4 December 1923, Page 7

AUCKLAND TRAMWAYS

MOTOR BUSES TO ACT AS FEEDERS COUNCIL TO COMPETE WITH PRIVATE BUSES In connection with the important decision reached bv the Auckland City Council last week, when authority was given to the Tramways Committee to purchase a fleet of motor-buses, not to exceed ten in the meantime, as a preliminary to extension of the transport system operated bv the council, the “Herald” reports that in the course of an explanation the Mayor said that when the Great South Road tramways extension was cr.ntcmplated the estimate for the work was £85,000, based, on the conditions and prices for materials then prevailing., By the time the material had been actually purchased prices had fallen to such an extent that rails which were estimated to cost £29 per ton were obtained, at £l4 per ton. This, with corresponding savings on copper and other materials, enabled tho extension to be completed in all details at a cost of 1'65,000. It was suggested, therefore, that the sum of £20,000 remaining should be used for the purchase of buses to inaugurate a feeder system to .the tramway system in districts having a considerable population and not now served bv the tramways. These buses would be run in such a way as to dovetail into the tramway system, and concessions would bo given to mleet the reasonable requirements of. the communities in the districts indicated. It was the determination of the admmstration, said Mr. Gunson, that the competition of private buses should be met, and thb ten buses suggested would be the beginning of a considerable fleet. , , • ... The resolution that the committee be authorised to purchase ten buses was adopted unanimously.