HUTT VALLEY SERVICE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 21, 25 January 1940, Page 10

HUTT VALLEY SERVICE

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —In connection with the item "Rail Transport"—"Htftt Valley Service" in yesterday's "Post," it was pleasing to read the comments of the retiring General Manager of Railways, Mr. Mackley, .that "the position would be very carefully watched and that if circumstances necessitate any greater frequency in service that will be properly attended to." Regarding frequency of service I should like to point out that in the space of fortytwo minutes (7.50 a.m. to 8.32 a.m.) three trains depart from Wellington to Upper Hutt each day, while there is a break until 10.13 a.m.. for the next departure. These schedules do not appear to be well, arranged: Likewise a period of two hours and three minutes exists until the 12.16 p.m. departs. Then we have,a slow train-departing at 2.5 p.m.—a gap of one hour; and fortynine minutes, that is on week days; then the 3.10 p.m. rail-car, arid so on to the more frequent evening service. The longest gap in the outward service from Wellington to Upper Hutt, for many years, occurred in the period 6.19 p.m. to 9.35 p.m.—a wait of three hours and twelve minutes--if one missed the former train. Lately a railcar, first stop Petone, was put on and timed to start at 8.30 p.m., which car, however, was replaced «by a train departing twelve minutes later, that is two hours and 23 minutes after 6.19 p.m., and only 47 minutes before the 9.30 p.m. '

"It is suggested that these schedules be rearranged; that a rail-car (or train) stopping only at the larger- stations be put on to leave Wellington at about 9.15 a.m., 11.15 a.m., and 1.15 p.m» The 7.30 p.m. train could be extended from Melling to Upper Hutt, and also the 10.30 p.m. from Lower Hutt. The 11.15 p.m. could be delayed to 11.30, while the 8.42 p.m. could be run earlier with a view to, the of an hourly service.

A rail-car or train from the Hutt Valley to connect with the Palmerston excursion train on Sundays, with continuity of fares on same, is suggested; also greater frequency in the Sunday rail-car service, as well as later outward departures (suburban) on Sunday evenings.—l am, etc., » , i PROGRESS.