FREE BUS RIDES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20519, 21 March 1930, Page 16

FREE BUS RIDES.

Sir, —1 read with interest th& discussion on free omnibus services at the Trarisport Board's meeting. This is only oiM)> of the board's problems, btit it clearly c 6&cerns the ratepayers who ars carrying the burden of a venture which has shown them a los.J each year.' I quite agL'e6 with Mr. Fhelan that the board should, at least, control the routes, over which the services run. Is the Transport Board not aware that a disused line exists in Hobson Street, between Wellesley Street and Victoria Street ? With the necessity for fresh outlets and increa&id revenue why should a free bus service be allowed in this vSsJhity when a little enterprise on the part of. the board would provide the facilities required by the public and greatly increase its income. Mr. Entrican expresses great surprise that the free transport has grown to such an extent and speaks of a special rate that might be necessary to make our system pay. If special legislation is not speedily introduced to prevent free riding then I fear that, for trade purposes, other services will be established, to the detriment of the board's revenue. Mr. Potter should think well before stating that the board had no right to interfere with such means of public transport, especially in view of the board's policy of interference in outside districts such as St. Heliers and New Lynn, where restrictions are enforced in regard to picking up passengers in areas that compete with- the board's services. I trust the board will lose no time in seeking legislation to control the free omnibus services which must Seriously affect its revenue. Bate?ayes.