ROAD TRANSPORT

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21155, 3 July 1940, Page 6

ROAD TRANSPORT

MODIFICATION POSSIBLE HAMILTON AS TERMINAL SACRIFICE IN CONVENIENCE (By Teleyrapn.—special to Tlmea> AUCKLAND, Tuesday The instruction to the Railway Department from the No. 1 Transport Licensing Authority, Mr E. J. Phelan, to eliminate road passenger services between Auckland and Rotorua follows the suspension as from Monday of the department’s goods services between the two centres. In respect of the passenger services, alternative trial services will have to be conducted before a complete change can be adopted. Mr Phelan said to-day that from the outset, the authority had advised the department that duplication of road services between Auckland and Hamilton must stop. He explained that it might be necessary to modify the license by permitting motor transport from Hamilton to Rotorua, Whakatane, Opotiki and Gisborne. It a satisfactory substitute train service could be arranged, however, it might only be necessary to provide service cars from Rotorua to the other points mentioned. Saving in Petrol Mr Phelan pointed out that the suspension of the goods services would account for saving about 150 gallons of petrol a week, while it was hoped to reduce the passenger services by 6000 miles a week, thereby effecting a saving of about 650 gallons of petrol“l have no wish to rush into the matter, but as soon as the necessary adjustments have been made the passenger service must be revised,” continued Mr Phelan. “I realise I cannot delete services ruthlessly, without regard for public convenience, especially in passenger services. However, the public must be prepared to make sacrifices, the same as the operators, understanding the primary reason for all revissions. I am satisfied that the railways services will be quite adequate, although perhaps not as convenient as the present road services.” PROTEST TO GOVERNMENT PETITION BEING SIGNED All service cars on the Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua routes are at present maintaining their normal schedules and it is considered that nothing will be done to curtail the services for about ten days. The Government drivers and the users of the facilities have drawn up a petition to be presented to the Government urging the continuation of the services and the petition is at present being signed.