MOTOR SERVICES

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 22, 27 January 1931, Page 10

MOTOR SERVICES

CO-ORDINATION WITH RAILWAYS

What is regarded as the first practical step towards the solution of reeklegs, competition and wastage in transport services has been taken by the Aard and White Star motor services. It was announced this afternoon that a conference of the directors of the two services was held last week to discuss the question of co-ordination betjveen the two organisations and the Railway Department, and also matters of legislation affecting the interests of the motor transport services. All angles of the legislation that had been proposed, previously were considered, and the principle, of Government control under the Transport Department was affirmed and the following resolution carried:— That this meeting of Aard and White Star directors and mot r trans- , port proprietors strongly UTge the ■ Government to enact legislation, including the licensing of motor services on the lines of the Transport, Law Amendment Bill, 1929*'. The question of co-ordination was fully discussed, and the following resolution was passed unanimously:— "That this meeting confirms the policy of: co-ordination between the White Star and Aard, and that the various members endeavour to arrange that their opposition services eliminate the running of unnecessary services." The scheme for further complete passenger transport co-ordination, embracing the two principal organisations and the Eailway Department, was considered on a baqis of an arrangement between the parties concerning tirne^ tables, the revision of both rail and motor transport services in the sole interest of the public, with the object of eliminating unnecessary services, -waste running, and reckless competition, and providing for more complete facilities to the public for information and bookings through a co-ordinated chain of booking offices, whether they be operated by the Railway or Tourist Departments or motor services. . MINISTER SYMPATHETIC. *A deputation later waited on the Minister of Railways (the Hon. W. A. Veitch), and conveyed to him the proposals. Mr. Veitch, in reply, expressed pleasure at the offer of tho two organisations to co-ordinate with his department. In his opinion, • the only practicable solution of the transport problem lay in co-ordination between tho interested passenger transport services, and he complimented the Aard and White Star on taking the first sensible step. Mr. Veitch said that his Department would >ye sympathetic consideration to the proposals, and officials would be appointed from his Department to meet the committee that had been set

up by N the two motor organisations to investigate the scheme- from the point of view of all parties concerned. The deputation expressed thanks for the interview and- favourable reception. The members of the committee appointed by tho motor organisations are: Messrs. J. E. Jenkins (Mastcrton), L. Hayward (Christchurch), J. ■Musgrave (Gisborne), J. G. Gallagher (Wellington), A. Cleave (Auckland), T. E. Robson (Christchurch), L. C. Ryan (R'otorua), and H. J. Knight (Wellington). The committee was set up to confer with the Railway Department with power to act in the promotion of any matters arising out of the conference.