BOROUGH TRAMWAYS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16424, 7 May 1924, Page 4

BOROUGH TRAMWAYS.

WHATAUPOKO SERVICE. ‘ SUCCESSFUL INAUGURATION. Judging by the experience of the past week the extension of the Borough tram service to Whataupoko is going to prove very popular, and the Mayor, MiGeo. Wildish, stated this morning that he was. confident that when the new service had been thoroughly tested the action of the Council in this connection would be endorsed by the public. Mr Wildish explained that a very careful watch was being kept- of the system. It would probably surprise many to know that although the service had been only running a little over a week, the returns, per car, were already better than the Gladstone road service. It was confidently anticipated that the service. would improve as it became better' known, and as the small irregularities in the time-table were smoothed out. Some slight difficulty was experienced in ascertaining just what time-table was best suited to users of the trams, but after the cars had been running a little longer this matter would be adjusted so as to give satisfaction to the greatest number. It was stated that every possible attention is being given to the somewhat inadequate rolling stock with which the services are being operated, the Engineering staff'giving fl, e cars a thorough overhaul. It was possible that when all four cars were overhauled it might be found that an additional car could he placed on the Whataupoko service during the rush hours. One question that is likely to be further considered in regard to' th e service is the issue of concession tickets. At the present time these tickets give thirteen rides for the cost of twelve, and it has been suggested that a larger concession would be more practicable, and, ultimately more profitable. In Auckland twelve 3d' rides are given for 2s 6d, and is thought that a similar concession in Gisborne would greatly increase the traffic on the cars, while a still greater benefit would be the saving in time in loading tlie trams. At present the delay occasioned by issuing tickets and giving change is one of the greatest drawbacks to the service, and if an extended concession would assist to remedy this it would appear to have much to commend it. ' -