CUT RATES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 13 January 1931, Page 4

CUT RATES

NELSON=CHRISTCIIURCH SERVICE

(By Telegraph-Special to "The Mail”)

CHRISTCHURCH, 12th January.

The cut rates on service car runs from Christchurch to Nelson which came into effect to-day, are regarded as the first engagement in a fare war by the four companies running services out of Christchurch. It was suggested to a “Sun” reporter that the action which had been taken must presage also a revival of the attempt to introduce legislation limiting the number of service car companies, and the total of cars which could be used on any particular route. The former fare from Christchurch to Nelson wa3 £3 17s 6d. Now it has been reduced to £2, a figure which is to be adopted by all service car companies. It was stated that the four concerns running cars from Christchurch to Nelson are Aard White Star, Pope’s Motors and Anstice*s Service. Curran’s Service running from Parnassus to Nelson will also introduce lower rates, it is stated. “Something of this kind was inevitable,” said one man concerned to-day. “I suppose for the time being there will be an increase in the number of passengers travelling, but a rate war of this kind is not a very good thing. Someone is bound to be hurt. It seems to me that legislation enabling licensing authorities to limit the number of firms operating on particular routes, and the number of cars which they may employ must come. The Transport Bill which was dropped at the last session of Parliament would have put this into effect. This situation cannot last, it seems to me. After all there is not much to be got out of charging £2 for a trip of about 300 miles.”