EFFICIENT SERVICE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 379, 13 June 1928, Page 1

EFFICIENT SERVICE

FERRY COMPANY’S BUS OPERATIONS

TRAFFIC INCREASING That the residential population of Takapuna was increasing as a result of the efficient bus service provided, was the contention expresesd by the Hon. E. W. Alison, at the annual meeting of the Devonport Ferry Company this afternoon. As against the winter months of last year, it was stated that four additional buses are now required at peakload periods. The capital actually invested in the company now amounted to £50,000, said Mr. Alison, which represented the actual cash paid for the purchase of the company’s fleet of buses, which number 32, and for the cost of plant and equipment. When the company commenced running, the roadway leading to the Bayswater wharf, the greater portion of which was owned by the Devonport Ferry Company, was in a practically impassable condition. The directors decided that to meet the public requirements and convenience it was essential that this portion of roadway should be concreted. This important work was carried out by the Ferry Company at a cost of £3,400, a charge being made against the Transport Company amounting to 8 per cent, per annum, which represents interest at the rate of 6 per cent, and a sinking fund of 2 per cent. MANY DIFFICULTIES

In starting the company, many difficulties had to be overcome, the chief one being shortage of buses. The directors aimed to have a first-class fleet of as many new and up-to-date buses as possible, but while new buses were being constructed the people had to be carried with the 15 buses in h f. nd - However, this was accomplished, and so satisfactorily that the travelling public was unaware of the C °4?r?il ny S limited carrying capacity. vvmi the company’s present fleet there has been no difficulty in coping with peak loads. This was indisputably demcmstaUed during the Christmas and New Year holidays, when, in beautiful weather, very large crowds were easily handled and without delay The manager reported that on any one of the holidays the buses could have carried an additional three thousand passengers.

The company set out to run a firstclass service at the competitive rates which had existed, but after six months' trial it was found that, with the excessive traffic fees imposed, in addition to heavy insurance cover and compliance with the motor bus regulations, together with heavy working expenses, the service could not be run at a profit. Then came the Petrol Tax of 4d a gallon. So the directors found there was no alternative but to increase the fares. It had been reported, said Mr. Alison, that the company was intending to again increase its fares. There were no grounds for sudh a report, as the directors were strongly of opinion that with capable and careful management the company’s business could be successfully carried out, even with the exceptionally good services which were being run. . The company was successfully established, was well organised, possessed a good fleet of buses, which were well maintained, was well managed, had a qualified staff of drivers and other employees, and was run on sound and economic business lines. They could also feel assured, said Mr. Alison, that, while the financial results obtained during the past ten months’ working do not justify the declaration of a dividend, the outlook for the coming twelve months is encouraging.