TRAMWAY BOARD NOW EXPLAINS POSITION OF AVONSIDE MOTOR BUS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18063, 25 January 1927, Page 3

TRAMWAY BOARD NOW EXPLAINS POSITION OF AVONSIDE MOTOR BUS.

In connection with the Avonsicle bus service, a circular has been sent by thq Christchurch Tramway Board to residents in the district. After a statement that the board wishes to receive more co-operation from Avonside residents with respect to this service, the circular proceeds as follows: — “On June 4, 1926, the board was given an opportunity to oppose the issue of a route license to Mr C. R. Brown, the owner of the private service, but did not do so because it did not then wish to take over the service. On September 24, 1926, Mr Brown, using the powers given him by the Motor Omnibus Traffic Act, called upon the board to purchase his bus. The Act did not give the board any right to refuse to buy the vehicle, but it did not compel the board to continue the service. Mr Brown informed the board that the fares he was charging were too low, and that if he had continued the service he would have raised them by one penny. This has since been confirmed in writing by Mr H. J. Knight, who was acting for Mr Brown and other bus owners in the sale to the board. “ On December 1 the board received a deputation of Avonside residents, who asked the board to re-establish the service which had been abandoned by Mr Brown. The deputation was told that if the request was acceded to, the fares would have to be raised, and Mr Brown’s intention to do this was also mentioned. The board restored the service on December 13 the cash fare for the through journey being, adults 4d, children 2d, being the same as Bryndwr, Springfield Road and Shirley terminals. After allowing for a small depreciation, but not making any charges for office or other overhead expenses, the service has been run at a loss. The cost of carrying each passenger has averaged 32d per mile, but the fare of 4d for the whole journey is at the rate of about lid a mile. The costs per passenger would come down if more passengers travelled. “ The board has now decided to issue a twelve-ride ticket 4 for 3s 3d without a time limit. This fare is about 1 3-10 d per mile, which is below the cost of transport of the other three city services and much below the present Avonside costs. “ The board thinks that Avonside residents will recognise that it cannot continue to carry on the service at a heavy loss. It hopes that the above statement will secure for the service a greater support than has hitherto been the case. If that support is forthcoming it is hoped that the service will pay its way. At the request of residents, the 5.5 p.m. trip from the Square will be altered to 5.10 p.m., the 5.33 p.m. to 5.40 p.m., and the 12.50 p.m. on Saturdays to 1 p.m., as from February