TRAMWAY CONCESSIONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15098, 22 March 1911, Page 4

TRAMWAY CONCESSIONS.

Sir, —As a constant traveller by our trams and consequently, one who spends a fair amount annually in faros" 1 am naturally interested in the tramway niiwia ger's latest lecommeiidotian to his committee on the question of tramway concessions. That his proposal is a step in tho right direction every reasonable person, even those living at St. Clair and tho North-East Valley, will admit. It is. however, doubtful whether the tramway manager is not going too far in recommending the granting of 16'cno-pcnny ridos for Is to fchoso purchasing concession tickets. I have not his previous report before me, but I think ho stated that tho concosiions granted at present to- St. Clair and North-East Valley residents meant ii considerable loss to the Tramway Department, and thiat tho only concessions that did pay were tho i 4 one-penny Tides for Is. While recommending tho concession of 25 per cent, all round to those purchasing tickets, he seems doubtful as to the result and hopes a sufficient number will pay casli to enable the department to mako a profit. Would it not bo bettor if 15 instead of 16 ono-penny rides were given to purchasers oftiho Is concession, ticket? I do not think any one could complain at receiving 15 one-poiury rides for Is, or a reduction of 20 per cent, off the cash price: and I am satisfied tho concession would bo more permanent.

In condusioin, may I suggest that it would bo a. ( good thing for those who, for tho c J>kn of convenience, generally purchase from 5s to 10s worth of concession tickets at one lime, if the Tram way Department had 5s concession tickets printed? At the rate of 15 ono-penny rides for Is that would moan that for 5s the purchaser- of a '.onccesicm ticket would bo entitled to 75 one-penny rides. While the cost of printing such tickets per 1000 might bo % triflo more, the saving in cost of tho number of tickets required should more tihan pay for tho extra expemse incurred.

Trusting that a reasonable, and, at tho samo timo, a permanent arrangement regarding tramway conco-sions may be decided uixin by the council.—l am, etc., Duncdih, March 21. Public Accountant.