BUS FARE COMPLAINT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20255, 15 May 1929, Page 14

BUS FARE COMPLAINT.

CHARGES TO ST. HELIERS.

"DISTRICT GOING BANKRUPT."

BOARD INTERVENTION SOUGHT.

Stating that the bus fares charged were driving St.- Heliers and Kohimarama into bankruptcy, a representative deputation from that district asked tho Transport Board yesterday to take action to remedy tho position. " We are not discontented; we are desperate," said Mrs. Ruby Watson, of tho Women's Progressive League. "We are not giving the board sentiment, but bare business facts. Tho district is gradually going into bankruptcy. People aro leaving the district or becoming bank-

rupt." Mrs. Watson said that just after tho war, when prices were high, the return fare to the city was Is 6d, but now, when tyres, oil and benzine were down 33 1-3 per cent., the fare was 2s return. Moreover, tho improvements in the road had reduced wear and tear.

Miss I. Wilson said it was costing a family of three 21s 6d a week for bus fares between St. Heliers and the city, and at that rate tho residents could go in and out only once a day. When tho ferry steamers were running to St. Heliers holders of tickets could make any number of trips a day. The effect of tho present scale of fares was reflected in tho reduced population and smaller school roll. In May last year there wero 275 pupils on the roll at St. Heliers, but last month there were only 220. At Kohimarama the roll had como down from 300 to 248 in tho same period. " We have almost to pay people to live out there owing to the high fares," Miss Wilson said.

Mr. R. Fawcett said Mr. L. J. Keys, who conducted the bus service, had agreed to meet tho residents to discuss tho fares, and had then intimated he could not reduce them.

Another speaker suggested the board should take over tho service.

In reply to Mr. 15. H. Potter, Mr. F. C. Jordan said they had no complaint except with regard to the fares.

The matter was referred to tho board in committee, representatives of tho deputation and Mr. Keys to attend.

The chairman, Mr. J. A. C. Allurn, said tho board's licence did not give anyone a monopoly of any particular run.