STEADY LOSS ON TRAMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20623, 23 July 1930, Page 12

STEADY LOSS ON TRAMS.

NEW PLYMOUTH SERVICES.

SERIOUS POSITION FACED

[by TF.I.EGP.ATtf.—OWN COnr.ESrONPKKT.] NEW PLYMOUTH, Tuesday.

The recent reductions in tram fares at New Plymouth have not resulted in a greater patronage of the trams and the revenue from fares continues to diminish. Figures placed before the Borough Council last evening showed that in June the revenue was £1457, from 169.08b passengers, representing a decrease of £203 and 29,429 passengers compared with the corresponding period last year. Commenting on the position, the tramways manager, Mr. G. J. Wy.itt, said tho ieduction in the price of concession cards had not had any effect on the number of passengers carried. The only ctfect it had was that passengers who previously paid casli were now using concession cards and thereby travelling at a cheaper rate. The finances of the department would be seriously affected by the recent reduction. Mr. P. E. Stainton moved that, at the next meeting of the council returns be submitted showing details of the traffic and revenue from the trams, week by week, since the introduction of the reduced fares, together with the figures for the corresponding periods of previous years. Tho resolution was passed.

The Mayor, Mr. H. V. S. Griffiths, said the public would havo to pay for the trains one way or another. It they did not pay in fares, they would have to pay in rates.