PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 28, 28 October 1926, Page 10

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

RIGHT OF APPEAL APPOINTMENT OF BOARDS Following closely in the wake of the recently-gazetted motor-bus regulations, arrangements have now been completed for the establishment of the transport appeal boards provided under the Act, and in all probability the personnel of the boards will be gazetted to-night. The establishment of thirteen transport appeal boards—one for each motoromnibus district —is authorised; and each board will be composed of five members appointed by the GovernorGeneral. 'Two members, one of whom will be the chairman, are to represent the Government; one will represent local authorities and public bodies whieH have established tram or bus services in the district; another will represent the other local authorities; and the fifth will be the representative of the private bus owners. An appeal can be made to the transport appeal board of a district from any determination of the licensing authority with respect to th? issue, renewal’, cancellation, or revocation of any license; and also from any terms or'conditions attached to a license or to the authority to establish a bus service, except so’ far as the terms and conditions have been imposed in conformity with the express requirement of the’Act or the regulations. The decision of the appeal board will be final, and in cases where an appeal is allowed the licensing authority’ is obliged to give effect to the board’s determination. ' Another interesting function of the transport appeal boards relates to the provisions of the Act that are applicable in cases where transport provision has not been made with respect to any area. A specified number of residents in any area within a tramway district have the right to requisition the local or public authority which conducts a tramway' service in that district, for the establishment of a bus service for the conveyance of passengers to or from the tramway. The authority petitioned must either undertake to establish a service or refer the petition, through the licensing authority, to the transport appeal board for inquiry and recommendation. If, in the opinion of the board, the requested service is necessary, it will be the duty of the local public authority concerned to establish and maintain it.