LUXURY BUS SERVICE

Chronicle (Levin), 28 July 1947, Page 4

LUXURY BUS SERVICE

AUCKLAND -WELLINCaTON RUN'" Something new in travel in New Zealand will be introduced next year now that Mr. G. K. Prisk, Wellington, has received authority co operate a dayiight bus service from -Auckland to Wellington. Mr. Prisk said yesterday that he hoped to have the special vehicles avauable by March 1 next year, from wnich date he had been given permission to operate the service. ais apphcation was considered by Lhe Imo. 2 Transporc Licensing Authority, Mr. P. o. Skoglund, who gave his decision in Wellington yesterday. The service will be the first of its kind in this country and amenities and the special attention to passengers wili make it akin to 3000mne bus services in Ausoralia. j'he bus will be 'a tractor-traller unit with a regulation overall length of 35ft. The motor unit will be imported, but . the traller, which i will accommodate 24 passengers,! will be Duiit m New Zealand. Mr. Prisk will have three tractori units in use so that after eacn tnp each unit can be overhauled in readiness for the return journey. Tne service wili run each way three times a week. The 410-mile i.oute is from Auckland to Hamilton, Cambridge, Putaruru, Taupo, Tokaanu, Waiouru, Taihape, Marton, Foxton, Levin and Wellington. Taxis wili take passengers from their nomes to the ous which in tne winter will be heated ready to re-. ct-ive them. Another feature will be a specially trained road hostess, if possible with nursing experience. Her duties v/iil De to atuend passengers and children and to serve hot reireshments to those who require them at two-hourly intervals tnroughout the v/hoie journey. It is proposed to instal an airconditioning and heating apparatus to obviate the necessny of opening windows. To meet emergencies on the road, a transmitiing set will be carried. On reaching their destination by bus, passengers will again be.taken by taxi to their homes or, in the case of South Island-bound travellers, to the ship's side. The fare of £4/10/- will cover taxi facilities to the extent of 5/-, all refreshments, srnoking requirements, booking fees and luggage cartage. There should be, it is hoped by Mr. Prisk, no restriction on the amount of luggage carried.