COASTAL BUS SERVICE.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1933, Page 9

COASTAL BUS SERVICE.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—l fell that I must raise my voice in protest at the recent decision of the Transport Board as regards the bus service along the south, coast For years past we have had a more or less satisfactory service, and a considerable amount of money has been sunk in up-to-date vehicles. Latterly the-Author-ity in its wisdom has put one service off the road, thus driving another man into the ranks of the unemployed, and now it has caused the two remaining services to be run week about, presumably putting more drivers into the ranks of the unemployed, and giving the coast a service that is totally inadequate. I cannot understand how the public in a so-called free country puts up with this sort of thing. We are tied down to one bus per day, having to accept the driver or company whether we like it or not, and incidentally the fare has gone up in price now that competition is eliminated, and goodness only knows how the Friday crowd is going to be catered for by one bus. Another thing, which of course does not concern the Authority, is that our children have in future to either miss a considerable amount of their school hours, or walk to school, some for several miles and in all weathers. It is mainly for these children that I protest. Between daylight saving and this bus business a country child’s life is hardly worth' living. . If the Transport Board thinks it' is saving the wear and tear on our roads by. reducing the buses on the road it is making a great mistake, for it is driving people to get their own cars. i In a few years there will be no need for a service at all, and the road will be crowded with private cars. For the thing to be logical why does not the board enquire • into the number of tradesmen using the road, also into the procession of vehicles going to the factory every day. I trust that some body such as the Farmers’ Union will take this matter up, for it is one- that concerns farmers one and all.—l am, etc., ‘TARENT.” Oakura, September 25.