TRACKLESS TRAMS

Hokitika Guardian, 27 August 1931, Page 6

TRACKLESS TRAMS

SIGNIFICANT CHRISTCHURCH DEVELOPMENT,

WELLINGTON, August 25. Discussing tramway matters in his annual report, the Commissioner iof Transport describes as one of the matters of significance the replacement of the North Beach line, Christchurch, by a trackless trolly service. “This is the case where the track oi tramway came to a stage when heavy repair was necessary. The route lias been unprofitable for trams and by using trackless trolly vehicles the overhead equipment is available without the necessity for expensive repairs to rails. As the trackless trolly vehicle has become a much improved transport unit in the past few years, particularly in speed and conilort, it seems that the action in. Christchurch indicates a tendency likely to grow in this country.”

The report mentions elsewhere that the electric trolly-bus is growing in popularity both in Great Britain and the United States. Percentage increases for the United States of America for the year 1930, compared with the previous year, have been as . follows: 83 per cent increase in number of companies, operating trolly buses; 174 per cent increase in number of buses; 143 per cent increase in number of routes; 170 per cent increase in mileage run.