FARE-CUTTING “WAR”

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXI, Issue 215, 25 August 1931, Page 5

FARE-CUTTING “WAR”

TAXIS IN AUCKLAND. BOARD ASKED TO ASSUME CONTROL. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, Aug. 25. The representatives of the three largest taxi companies in Auckland waited on the Transport Board to-day end naked the board to assume control of nil taxis, fix the maximum and minimum fares, and restrict the number at taxis operating. They alleged that drivers were working all hours and any were found asleep in their cabs through fatigue. They contended that the public should be safeguarded. There were 370 cabs licensed in Auckland, and the deputation represented 200. The board set up a committee to report. One member’s suggestion that no action be taken found no support. The taxi companies’ request follows a renewal of the fare-cutting “war” announced at the end of last week. The following appears in an Auek. lend exchange of yesterday:—Another taxi “war” seems certain as the result of the announcement of sweeping reductions in rates made by Black and White Cabs, Ltd., to-day. The new taxi fares provide the cheapest taxi travel ever known in Auckland, 1/- for the first mile and 1/8 for over a mile and up to five miles. The tariff will operate for 24 hours a day. and seven days a week, no extra charge being made for night work or Sunday service. The new rates are irrespective of the number of passengers carried, so that five people will be able to travel five miles for 1/6.