HOLIDAY TRAFFIC

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 86, 10 January 1928, Page 6

HOLIDAY TRAFFIC

RAILWAY REVENUE INCREASES

Palmerston North, January 9. Although the number of tickets sold at the Palmerston North railway station during the holiday period is considerably less than was so in 1926-27, the revenue derived from the sales shows an appreciable increase, which fact seems to indicate that passengers this year were travelling greater distances. Approximately speaking, 16,000 tickets were sold in 1926-27; this year the figures dropped by almost 1000. Figures of the revenue for the past three vears are as f0110w: —1925-26, £7200;' 1926-27, £7300; 1927-28, £7500. A study of the reservations adds further evidence of the increased length of the journeys (except in a few special cases reservations cannot be made for distances less than 100 miles), for the revenue from this source has increased by £l5. Ordinary tickets sold numbered four less than last year, but the revenue was ahead by £BO. On ordinary excursions there was a slight decrease all -round. The special excursion to Awapuni for the racing fixture there during Christmas week also showed an increase, 50 more seats being sold and £lO more being collected in revenue. To the race meeting at Marton the special trains were not nearly so well supported as was so last year, when the races were held at Feilding, but here, again, the increase in the travelling distance led to an increase in the revenue obtained. The number of passengers decreased by 574, but the revenue increased by £5O.

It is interesting to note, in connection with the holiday ticket sales, that four tourist tickets were sold as compared with two last year.