TRANSPORT SYSTEM

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1932, Page 5

TRANSPORT SYSTEM

FAR-REACHING CHANGES

ELIMINATION OF WASTE,

CHRISTCHURCH, March 24

One of the most interesting developments that is taking place in the Dominion at the present time is in regard to the transport system, which, after many years of discussion, has been brought, under a definite form of control.

The Central Transport Licensing Authority, which has concluded ns sitting in Christchurch, and is now sitting in Grey mouth, has refused to renew the licenses, of several services and has ordered that changes are to ue made in regard to others; but, among those prominently associated with transport matters, the opinion is expressed that what has taken place is only , % & dement for greater co-ordination of the road and rail .services of the Dominion.

The main purpose of the new Transport Act.is to eliminate unfair competition with both the railways and the road services. Tho ultimate aim in view, it is contended in certain quarters, js to strengthen the position of the Railway Department, and this objective meets with the cordial approval of several of the large transport companies, Already by its refusal of cortain licenses the Authority has given the railways a bettor chance of improving their position, but a great deal more is likely to> be done in this .direction in the near future,

The remarkable development that has taken place in the road services of New Zealand during the past few years makes the problem of eliminating wasteful competition difficult to deal with because of the hardship that must be imposed on certain people who have established services during the period when there were few, if any, restrictions imposed. A gradual process' of elimination seems to have been decided upon and it is considered probable that within a few years there will be complete co ordination between the railways and the road transport companies, to the advantage of the general taxpayers and the travelling public. The principal passenger transport companies are both well satisfied with tho trend of events, as they have been asking for years to be .protected from what they term cut-throat competition.

An important aspect- of the new control of transport is tliat the Licensing Authority must approve of the schedule of fares to be charges for any service. This is an important protection for the public, as it ensures that there cannot he any exploitation through the formation of monopolies.

Avoidance of waste, the safety of the public, adequate timetables and reasonable fares, are tho objects that the Licensing Authority have in view, and when those objects are attained the public will be assured of stability in the transport services of the Dominion. By the elimination of services which arc not justified because they come into unnecessary competition with the railways or of other road services. a great deal of economic waste can bo avoided, without, imposing any inconvenience on the travelling public. It h considered that tlve revenue of the rivTwavs will show an improvement as a result of U- operation of the Transport Act. without detriment to tin* established service companies.