TRANSPORT AND HOURS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23679, 11 June 1940, Page 6

TRANSPORT AND HOURS

The manager of the Auckland | Transport Board has. stated a decided problem iri his description of the difficulties of dealing with the evening peak load of traffic without straining tjie . system's finances by providing more tramcars which must be held idle during the greater part of the day. He draws a striking contrast—Bo cars catering for the public during the greater part of the day, and 214 carrying full loads, one way only, between 4.30 p.m. and 5.40 p.m. The remedy he suggests is a re-arrangement of working hours to have starting times in different occupations occur at intervals between 7.30 a.m. and 8.30 a.m., with a corresponding "staggering" of the hours for ceasing work. Mr. Ford claims various benefits for his plan, including saving of electric power at the time of maximum demand, and of oil fuel because the peak load for omnibus traffic would also be spread. The suggestions made are to be sent on to the Government, Chambers of Commerce, large employers of labour and

others. It is a weighty, question for them to consider. The present conception is that services such as transport should be adapted to. the habits of the community. Mr. Ford proposes a reorganisation of working habits, which means changes in the whole daily routine of the people, for the relief of the, transport services. Other advantages beside the ones he claims might be suggested, but with it all there are many difficulties." However, the report gives those to whom it will be referred something very definite to think, about. That something is, in the ultimate, economy by the elimination of waste.