MAORI HILL TRAMS

Evening Star, Issue 22145, 27 September 1935, Page 17

MAORI HILL TRAMS

REPLACEMENT RECOMMENDED COMMITTEE FAVOURS DIESEL BUSES NO EMPLOYEES TO BE DISCHARGED The recommendation that the necessary steps bo taken to comply with the statutory requirements in the matter of closing down the Maori Hill electric tram line is contained in the report which the Tramways Committee will present to the City Council on Monday night. The committee states that, after giving the whole question careful consideration, it has no hesitation in recommending that the electric tramway be replaced with a Diesel bus system. The change-over, however, will not involve the discharge of any of the present Roslyn-Maori Hill staff. The report states: — . In view of the fact that the time has now arrived when tl«i complete relaying and reconstruction of the Maori Hill electric tramway _ demands early review, the whole position with respect to this line has been investigated with a view to determining the most suitable and economic of providing for the needs of the district. The line was opened for traffic 35 years ago, and was the first electric tramway to operate in New Zealand. In considering the whole question a comparison has been made of the estimated capital outlay that would be involved and the operating and annual charges hr respect of—(a) The existing line as entirely reconstructed, and alternatively the present system abandoned and replaced with (b) Diesel bus service, or (o) Trolly bus service. The estimates are as under:— —Capital Expenditure. — Renewing existing electric tramway, permanent way ... £6,750 Substituting Diesel bus service —cost of two buses ... ... 4,000 Substituting trolly bus service —cost of throe buses and overhead system ... 11,222 —Operating Expenses and Annual , Charges.— Existing tramway reconstructed £3,048 4 1 Diesel buses ... 3,052 5 0 Trolly buses 3,495 6 0 It is to be noted that the figures for the annual charges in respect of the Diesel buses and trolly buses include £2Bl in each case to cover the interest on the capital outlay on the existing electric tramway. It is clear from the above figures that Diesel buses have a marked advantage from the point of view of actual capital outlay over both trains and trolly buses, while, on the other hand, even after allowing for the impost of £2Bl per annum for _ interest on the present tramway capital expenditure, the Diesels are practically on an equal footing with trams as regards operating expenses and.annual charges. It will be noted that trolly buses show up disadvantageously in both comparisons. Apart from the purely financial considerations, tho Diesel bus other distinct advantages. The running is much quieter, and a better connecting service could be run with the Roslyn cable line, with a resulting increase in revenue. There is also the possibility of extending the present service to other points, and, when necessary, a through service could be inaugurated from the Roslyn cable junction to PittGcorge streets. After, therefore, giving the whole question careful consideration the committee has no hesitation in recommending that tho existing _ electric tramway be replaced with a Diesel bus system. The change will involve the purchase of two Diesel buses, and authority. is therefore asked for the calling of tenders at tho earliest possible date for these vehicles. The changeover will not involve the discharge of any, of the present Roslyn-Maori Hill staff. 1

The committee also recommends that the necessary steps bo taken to comply with statutory requirements in the matter of the closing down of the present tramway. The financial aspect has been referred to the Finance Committee in Jerms of the Standing Orders.