NOT SUSTAINED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20850, 5 October 1937, Page 6

NOT SUSTAINED

OBJECTION TO CHEAPER FARE? By Telegraph—Press Association CHRISTCHURCH, October 4. “I will take the risk of getting offside with the Government,” was tha final reply by No. 3 Transport Licensing Authority (Mr T. H. Langford), to an objection raised by the representative of the Railways Department to a reduction in motor transport passenger fares in an area where an adequate railway service existed. The objection which was not upheld, was raised when the transfer of the Christchurch to Amberley run from A. Holland to Midland Motorways Services Ltd., was being considered by the authority today. "Our objection lies against a reduction in fares on the Amberiey-Sefton-Balcairn section where there is an adequate railway service,” said Mr E. S. Brittenden (district traffic manager for the Railway Department). In answer to Mr Langford, Mr Brittenden said that railway passenger figures for the district were 2157 in 1933, 2353 in 1934, 22'T ii 1935, 1963 in 1936 and 1823 in 1937. Before motor services ran, more than 3500 passengers were carried. "I know the Government owns this service,” said Mr Langford, “but I am definitely of the opinion that with this amalgamation of services this service can be run at a profit, and at a good profit at these fares. I do not see any reason in the world why the public should be exploited. It is the public's interest I am here to look after, and I consider that these fares are reasonables fares. They are as much as the people can afford to pay, and if the railways want passengers they will have to come into line somehow.” Mr Brittenden: We will have to reduce our fares. Mr Langford: That is the logical thing to do.