TAXI-CAB SERVICES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20989, 28 September 1931, Page 8

TAXI-CAB SERVICES.

AMALGAMATION PLAN.

TWO CITY ORGANISATIONS.

THIRD COMPANY IN SCHEME. NO INCREASE OF FARES. Important changes in the relations of the three principal taxicab companies operating in Auckland, the Checker, Chess and Black and White organisations, are probable in tho next few days, as it is known that negotiations have hoen carried on between all three firms. It is probable that the Checker and Black and White companies will combine, and then come to an arrangement with tho Chess company regarding fares. Tho Black and White organisation consists entirely of owner-drivers who operate their own cars and pay a fee to the company for membership, the use, of the telephone service and other privileges. Tho company owns the central depot in Newton Road and the telephones on the various city and suburban stands. It is believed that the Checker company will acquire the depot and the telephone service. The cabs will be thereby brought under its control, but in the event of the negotiations being completed will continue to run under existing conditions and probably at the low rate of fares at present charged. When a merger has been arranged between these two companies, it is freely rumoured that Checker and Chess services will operate under a mutual agreement at the same prices. On Saturday tlie Checker fares were reduced to the same scale as those charged by the Chess cabs, Is for the first mile, 2s for two miles and 2s 6d for any additional distance up to fivo miles.

It is stated that in the event of the combination no increase in fares to the public will result, as tho fares of Checker and Chess vehicles will remain at the rates now ruling and there will be probably be no increase in the Black and White fares.