WHY USE THE BUS?

Evening Star, Issue 23377, 21 September 1939, Page 3

WHY USE THE BUS?

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,—l would bo pleased if those responsible could give mo tho reason for the use of buses to transport the workmen to and from the work which the Government has undertaken at Taieri aerodrome, when the Railway Department has railway lines which run right past the aerodrome and plenty of engines to pull all the carriages necessary to transport these men. Is the distance from the job to the railway lines too far for these men to walk at 6 or 6.45 a.m.?

The train, I suppose, is not good enough, but let me say it would save the taxpayers a good penny. There was quite a parade out that way this morning—ten buses; ten drivers. How much petrol and oil these buses would,, eat up is worth considering.—l am, etc. Use The Train. September 20. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Being the owner of a small ear I recently applied tor eight gallons of petrol a, month. I am employed by the Railway Department and have to report for duty at all hours of the day and night. As I live three miles from my employment, and in a hill suburb where a bicycle is useless, I used the car to take me to and from work. _ The above facts were fully stated in a covering letter attached to the application form. The application was declined, and I accepted the decision as a true patriot should. However, whilst in the vicinity of Burnside this morning I was astounded to see ten (10) buses conveying workers to the aerodrome. Ten buses; ten drivers; ten engines burning petrol or oil fuel. The railway line runs directly past the aerodrome and makes a shorter route to it from Dunedin. There may be an explanation for the choice of buses, and if there is T contend that a dissatisfied motoring public should be given that explanation. To the average person the above facts seem very much like bungling, am! it is only natural that it will give rise to a great deal of dissatisfaction.—l am, etc. JP.ATRIOT. September 20.,