TRAMS V. BUSES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18887, 9 December 1924, Page 7

TRAMS V. BUSES.

Sir, —Judging by the City Council's deliberations re the above, as reported in the Herald some weeks ago, one would imagine the tramway finances to be on the verge of bankruptcy, brought about by bus competition. Last week, however, free books were to be had for the taking in any of the trams, and these set out the actual financial position of the tramway system, and on its showing one wonders what the council have to complain about and why the position is not met by up-to-date business methods. In oth*» words, to be perfectly candid, why does not the council crush its opponents by lowering the fares, so that buses cannot compete ? It is useless for the council to argue that they cannot do this, as on their own showing in the book mentioned they expect a profit of over £6000 for the vear ending March 31 next, and this after paying to accident fund £4000 (which may never be needed), and over £112, to 'interest and sinking fund, the latter by tho wav showing that in 15 or lo years' time," the tramways will belong to the people, without any liability, w en even the present council . (if in office) might consider the question of reducing fares. Estimated expenditure in permanent wnvs. repairs, maintenance, etc., £14" 000 odd, seems rather great, hut may. ho required. All the same, it seems to mo there is ample scop, for introducing he American business _ hustle. I think the council is wrong in its stultifying programme, and I (eel rare a reduction m charges would not only down tho opposi(ion, but would increase the revenue. Tins his ' been shown- by examples such as nennv postage and telegrams, which, though losing for a time ultimately more thin repaid. To introduce more buses, even if Council-owned, except to feed trams at the outer ends. seems sheer nonsense, and money ill-spent. Bettor far to put the same money into and new tracks, ' w * Mount Eden. „ M