HASTINGS-NAPIER BUS SERVICE.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 8, 21 December 1925, Page 5

HASTINGS-NAPIER BUS SERVICE.

A LOCAL COMPANY. During the past week an innovation in the way of a regular motor bus service between Hastings and Napiei was inaugurated by a new company. The advent of the new service has created quite a lot ol talk amongst the travelling public and on Saturday a “Tribune” reporter waited on some of the directors to get first-hand information on the subject. Our representative learned that the idea ot establishing a fast, sate motor service between these two towns, whose in terests are so interwoven, has been discussed among business men of both places lor some time past. The gentlemen who were interesting themselves in the matter felt that before commencing operations they should obtain the most up-to-date information concerning types of machines and details of management and with this object in view invited the managing director of one of the most success!ul motor bus companies in Auckland to como down and give them first-hand information on the most modern equipment and methods. This has resulted in the adoption of the line, up-to-dau chequer buses (built in Napier) which are being used by the company. In answer to a question as to who were the members of the company, oui reporter was informed that the sharenolders were entirely* Hastings and Napier business men. He was also pleased to learn that the drivers were both local men and shareholders of the company. On enquiry as to whether the service was not too frequent, it was stated that the company’s slogan is “Service,” and it was felt necessary to inaugurate the hourly timetable now in force, which conveys patrons to the centre of the town at the Marine Parade. The policy of the directors is “Safety First,” even at the sacrifice of a little speed. The press representative was assured that although the fares may seem low the directors felt that when the public realises the boon of a fast, safe and regular service they will use it in sufficient numbers to pay the company. In the course of the interview lie was also informed that the patronage of the service already warrants expansion and the company has now under order another bus to relieve the congestion at rush times. We think the inauguration of this service is a forward move and is good for the district. We congratulate the directors on their enterprise and wish them luck in their new venture.*