BACK TO THE TRAINS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 193, 4 November 1927, Page 1

BACK TO THE TRAINS

SUBURBAN PASSENGERS

NOTICEABLE INCREASE

During the last few months there has been a gradual but steady increase in the number of passengers using the suburban train services. The principal increase has been in workers' tickets, the cost of which has been made attractive by the department. It is thought that increased tram and bus fares have been mainly responsible in sending residents of the suburbs back to the trains. The increase has been particularly noticeable on the lines between Otahuhu and Auckland, and Henderson and Auckland. Avondale shows the largest gain. For the last week in October 715 passengers left from that station, and 268 more tickets were issued over the corresponding figures of the same period last year. For the same week, compared with last year, the figures were: From Remuera, 20 passengers more; from Green Lane. 23 more: from Ellerslie, 15 more; from Onehunga, 27 more; and from Papatoetoe, 70 more.

So far there has not been a sufficient increase to warrant additional trains, but if more passengers travel extra trains will be put on in the rush hours in the morning and evening.

TRAMWAYS NOT LOSING

WEEKLY RETURNS CONSTANT Though the Hailway Department reports that it is regaining passengers from the buses the tramway department reports that there is no falling off in the number "of tickets being issued on its buses. “We are not concerned with Otahuhu and Papatoetoe passengers,” remarked Cr. J. A. C. Allum, “but most of the other traffic increases seem to be more due to the natural increase of population. Our own weekly returns are remaining constant.”