MOTOR-'BUSES V. TRAMS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18234, 19 November 1924, Page 13

MOTOR-'BUSES V. TRAMS.

COMPETITION CREATED BY GOOD ROADS. A Wellington city councillor, who has had the opportunity of observing the competition now going on in Auckland between the city tramways and privately owned motor-'buses, states that Auckland has brought the competition upon herself by providing {he motor vehicles with good roads, and that similar competition was likely to crop up wherever a city laid down perfect permanent road surfaces. Wellington had not been attacked in this manner so far, because Wellington only had one permanently paved route through the city, and that in Willis and Manners streets. This route was so narrow that it would be next to impossible to run the big 'buses successfully. Outside that route the macadam roads were really bad, so that there was little encouragement for such services to start. Another reason for the absence of motor competition (according to the "Dominion's" informant) was the fact that the Wellington tramway service was the best in New Zealand —the cars were better kept both inside and ou't, and the staff of conductors and inspectors more helpful and considerate than they are in any other centre, Auckland having in the past been a strong example to the contrary. With the new power from Mangahao and another half-dozen cars, which will be ready for the Christmas trade, Wellington should be very well equipped indeed, though it is not anticipated that the rush-hour traffic can ever be treated on a basis of seating everyone.