NGAIO BUSES

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 153, 2 December 1938, Page 5

NGAIO BUSES

LOSSES SHOWN

RESTRICTED SCHEDULE

Proposed alterations to the railway bus timetable between Wellington and Ngaio involving cancellation of certain week night services excepting on Fridays, restriction of Sunday morning services, and certain alterations in running times, were considered by the Ngaio Progressive Association last night. A letter from the Superintendent of Road Services (Mr. F. K. MacKay) stated that the alterations were necessary because of losses shown by some of the runs.

While expressing regret at the deletion of certain running times on the principle that any reduction in the service to the public was not desirable, members agreed that nothing could be done if the buses were running empty and losses were being shown. Satisfaction was expressed that some of the alterations in departure times were in accordance with requests made by the association.

There were present Messrs. H. L. Cummings (president), O. Gidall, L. Manttan, G.'.E. Littlejohn, T. Mansford, and the secretary (Mr. R. Irving).

"The losses entailed in operating the service between Wellington and the hill suburbs have been causing me some concern," wrote the Superintendent of Road Services. "Counts of passengers were taken and these clearly show that the number of trips run under the timetable now in operation is in excess of requirements and leave no option but to effect a reduction."

A copy of the proposed new timetable, "which it is proposed to introduce as soon as the necessary authority to make the changes has been obtained," was enclosed.

A letter from the bus manager commented on the subject as follows: —

"It is a pleasure to note that the electric trains are providing a service which meets the requirements of the residents in your district, but it must be apparent that the present restricted bus service is still much in excess of the requirements of the district. A record of the passengers carried during the past few weeks indicates that quite a number of trips are practically empty and others are poorly patronised, and while it is desired to provide a service for residents some distance from the railway stations, you will agree that there are limitations to the extent to which this can be done."

A letter was received from the Chief Postmaster, Wellington, stating that the request for a posting box at the corner of Chelmsford and Karamu Streets could not be favourably considered in the meantime.

The request was made by the association because 21 houses are in course of erection in that locality.

The next meeting of the association will not take place until February.