WEST COAST TRAFFIC

Hokitika Guardian, 16 July 1927, Page 2

WEST COAST TRAFFIC

RAILWAY LOADING FACILITIES.

To meet the ever-increasing rail traffic of motor-ears between Springfield and Otira (says the “ New Zealand Railways Magazine ”) the Department lias now provided a now type of Ai waggon for the conveyance of motor-ears between these two stations. The facilities for loading and unloading have also had the attention of the Department, a special loading hank having been provided at Springfield and Otira to enable owners to drive their ears straight on or off the waggons.

The new motor Al waggons have four collapsible sides, the ends of which, when lowered, form a pathway over and between each waggon. The loading hanks, instead of being parallel with the rails, are constructed at the end of a hankshunt, the level of which is in line with the floor of the waggon. This enables the motorist to drive straight upon to the bank and on to the waggon, without the necessity of trying to manoeuvre his ear into the ordinary Al waggon. To meet the demand for waggons during holiday time, U and llh timber waggons are put into ti.se. the ends being removed, and special loading boards provided. Since the new motor banks and waggons have been brought into operation, they have proved a boon to motorists, and many remarks commendatory of the Department’s new facilities have been made.

Passengers between Springfield ant Otira, if they so desire, may travel by the same train as their motor-ear. a special carriage being attached, if necessary, to goods trains to accommodate travellers, thus avoiding a long wait for express trains.