ROAD TRANSPORT SERVICES

Southland Times, Issue 24757, 30 May 1942, Page 4

ROAD TRANSPORT SERVICES

Heavy Reductions Proposed

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, May 29. Heavy reductions in road transport services, a probable ban on women and children travelling m passenger buses during peak traffic hours, and co-ordination oi suburban services with -the railway and trams are among adjustments contemplated by the Transport Department to meet the serious dram on the tyre resources of the .Dominion. A statement on the position as affecting the Auckland district, and a warning to the public that restrictions and adjustments are inevitable, was made by the No. 1 Licensing Authority, Mr E. J. Phelan.

"It is necessary to warn the people of impending changes which are to be brought into force as soon as the operators of services have prepared new schedules and they are approved by the Licensing Authority,” said Mr Phelan. “If the present services were allowed to operate without any cut we should probably be able to continue them for 18 months, and at the end of that time we should have exhausted our stocks of tyres and those now in use. With a rationing of tyres and services we find we may continue for about two and a-half years. . “We are asking that all services be immediately cut by from 25 to 33 1-3 per cent, on week days and 75 per cent, on Sundays,” continued Mr Phelan. “Wherever possible road services must connect with the railways and trams. It has been suggested that women and children be only permitted to travel on buses between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 pan. to relieve congestion at peak periods when workers are carried. Mr Phelan said it was his duty to appeal strongly to the public to show appreciation of the serious position . by accepting the restrictions and helping the authorities to meet a critical situation.