THE TRAM SERVICE

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 124, 26 May 1923, Page 9

THE TRAM SERVICE

DISCUSSED BY CIVIC LEAGUE,

At the last meeting of the Civio League Council a good deal of attention was given to the questions of the tram fares to outlying districts, the- conditions of travelling, and .the urgent need for a. live policy of expansion to remedy the evils of overcrowding and providi;»j healthier surroundings for the people. Mr. E. L. Jones brought the matter up by urging that an appeal shoxild be made for a. reduction of fares on the long-distance rides of three sections and ,«VBl. . .

Delegates representing associations within the two-section area, agreed that the fares to the outer boundaries of the city constitute a heavy burden upon the residents. ; It 'was recognised, that the Tramway Department's finance must be maintained on a sound basis, still' the .view taken was that tramway transport is so related to the matters, of housing and living conditions that the service should correspond, with, and be made to facilitate in the solution of .the problem, of the . distribution of the people. Instances'we're'.presented of. existing congestion and the evil effects were emphasised, from, the medical point of "view aj relating to health, and in other directions, both physical and moral. The conditions, of "travel on the cars at present over long distances were considered'very unsatisfactory. It was pointed out that in rough weather cars without blinds coming fully down carried passengers ' who were exposed to the ill-effects of chills and driving rain gusts, and who, il they sat at all must do so in sopping wet seats.

regarding fares, a suggestion was made by one delegate that some relief might be given to long-distance section* by issuing yearly or quarterly tickets at reduced rates to permanent resident* —somewhat as is done-by the 'harSour ferry service.- It-was argued that th« present fares," when added to the rent of residents, made such a tax on many working men's families that they found it too heavy to live far out from' tho centre of the city. < It was decided that a little later a deputation will wait- upon ■ the- City Council in reference to this matter/ A committee • consisting of Dr. Morgan Messrs. A. C. Blake, F. W. Downed R* L._ Jones, and W. L. Palmer /was appointed to prepare the case for presentation and collect any data required in that connection. ■ ' , .