THE CITY TRAMWAYS. Wanted, an Infusion of Common Sense.

Free Lance, Volume V, Issue 230, 26 November 1904, Page 6

THE CITY TRAMWAYS. Wanted, an Infusion of Common Sense.

THERE was a sensible letter in one of the dailies the other day on the subject of tramway anomalies It dealt with the absurd way m which the penny sections have been arranged and the slowness of the service at the busiest hours of the day. If the tramways are to yield the best possible results to' the Corporation and prove of the utmost value to* the public, the system will have to. be revolutionised. At present the tendency is to discourage fche people from using the tramways at all. • • • There is not the slightest doubt the first section, starting at Newtown, should end at the Basin Reserve. To perpetuate the existing arrangement fixing the limits of the section at Veitch and Allan's corner, in Cuba-street, and at Clyde Quay respectively, is to foment and keen alive discontent and a sens© of grievance There is a dense population between the Basin Reserve and these arbitrary limits, which will always grumble loudly at the exaction of a penny for a ride of a few chains, while the Newtown resident is carried two miles for the same sum • • • A fairer apportionment would be to make the first section end at the Basin Reserve, and the next at the Government Railway Station Adjusting the sections in this way would give general satisfaction, and yield a larger revenue, although .many individuals woxiM pay less. A Corporation too keen on the bawbees may not see it, but it works out that way all the samp • • • Again, a large per centage of city workers say they cannot depend on

the trams for getting home and back again withm the luncheon hour. The running is too slow, the stoppages are too- many and long. Special provision ought certainly to* be made for extra cars and a rapid service during the luncheon, hours. Combination cars for this purpose should take the place of doubledeckers It is not too much to expect that some little trouble might be taken to suit the convenience of the crowds of city workers who need speedy transit between their business and homes for the mid-day meal It will pay well to do it. And the rest of the public needn't suffer. • • • One word for the youngsters. Why not charge them half-fare on each section* 2 At present the penny fare is the irreducible minimum for adult and youngster alike. But if the child is under 12, and travels over two- sections, he is not charged the second penny. Still, why not apply the half-fare principle without this limitation ? Everywhere else there is discrimination used in. charging as between children and adults. In these days of a declining birth-rate, the parents of large families deserve every encouragement. Let our bachelor Mayor rise to the occasion, and win renown for himself by removing this cross from the shoulders of the family man It will be a graceful compliment to- the cause of matrimony. It will be a boon most appreciated by the humblest citizens. To the little folk themselves it is only fair.