“Surprising Growth Of Omnibus Industry”

Press, Volume C, Issue 29513, 15 May 1961, Page 18

“Surprising Growth Of Omnibus Industry”

(New Zealand Press Association)

HAMILTON. May 14. "The growth of the omnibus industry in New Zealand during the last 30 years is indeed surprising." ’ said the Commissioner of Transport (Mr A. E. Forsyth) on Saturday when addressing the annual conference of the New Zealand Motor Omnibus Proprietors’ Association. He said that the figures for the last 30 years illustrated graphically the difficulties and problems which had been overcome in spite of strong competition from private vehicles. Mr Forsyth produced figures, which, he said, indicated the progress of the industry since 1938. At that time buses in New Zealand travelled 9,500.000 miles annually. This figure had now grown to 21 million and approximately 29 million passengers were transported last year. he said. In every way the industry had gone ahead. It had 900 buses in use throughout the country today compared with only about 450 in 1938 Revenue had also shown an increase from £500,000 to £2.500.000, Mr Forsyth said. Considerable progress had been made in expanding services to cope with the urban sprawl of many of the counter's towns and cities. Increasing numbers of private cars were bringing about street congestion. The

only thing in favour of cars in cities was their independence and speed, he said. Points in favour of bus transport were its cheapness, comfort and the relieving of traffic congestion. Overseas the problem had come under considerable discussion at a conference of omnibus operators. New Zealand drivers had a good safety record. , said Mr Forsyth, and were rated third on the safety list. Of the 9000 motor accidents in New Zealand in 1960. only 211 involved buses. In 65 cases only was it the bus driver’s fault for the mishap, he said.