FIERCE TAXI WAR

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 608, 9 March 1929, Page 1

FIERCE TAXI WAR

CHEAPER THAN TRAMS CUT RATES FROM MONDAY CHECKER’S BOLD MOVE There will begin in Auckland on Monday a taxi-cab war such as the city has never before known. In view of serious competition by Transportation, Ltd. (formerly known as Black and White Taxis), the Checker Taxicab Company, Ltd., announces a drastic cut in fares. “The public will actually be a bit travel to the nearer suburbs cheaper than they can at present by tram,” said the manager, Mr. A. Sinclair. “Anything the city has previously seen in taxi competition will pale before the happenings of next week.” Mr. Sinclair told The Sun this morning that as a result of the recent move by Transportation in reducing charges it had been found imperative to follow suit. He said frankly that business was now departing in wholesale fashion. It was only natural that the people were favouring that organisation which offered the cheaper “As everybody knows, Transportation's fares are now Is 6d for the first mile, or any distance up to five miles for 2s 6d. “We intend to answer that by cutting to 1s for the first mile and 2s for any run to'Five miles,” Mr. Sinclair said. “After the fifth mile the rate will be 6d for each half mile.” In a brief review of the circumstances leading up to the position, Mr. Sinclair said his company, when it started operations, brought in the lowest fares ruling in the Dominion. The owner-drivers scattered about the town then reduced fares, but Checker did not come into line, “because,” said Mr. Sinclair, “we were able to give a more satisfactory servi.ee.” Then last year the Black and White Company, operating in Wellington, entered the Auckland field on the same fare basis as Checker. In June the latter cut fares and a vigorous war endured for a short period. “Finally, at. Black and White’s instigation, we restored the former charges,” said the official. “Under that style the company ceased to exist in Auckland not long afterward. Transportation, Ltd., then took over, leasing the cabs from the Wellington company at Id a mile, and decided on another reduction of fares and in a few weeks introduced the present flat rate, to which weVeply on Monday.' “The effect will be that the Transport Board will sooner or later be compelled to take action,” Mr. Sinclair predicted. “It is not generally known that that body lias control over taxis. The new rates will be seriously competitive with tram fares. The buses will likewise be affected. “Consider this: The tram fare to Royal Oak Is sd, and six passengers will be able to go there by Checker for 2s—or 4d. a .bead. We will be dangerous as far pu.t as Ellerslie, or Ivohimarama, and, I believe, Otahuliu. “Next week the public in the streets will be openly, invited by drivers to jump aboard for-a quick run to the suburbs. • It- will be cheaper for many business- men to leave their cars at home and use taxis. We will run about touting for passengers and doubtless I the opposition will be similarly active. The nexlt few weeks will be hectic—and interesting.” said Mr. > Sinclair.