New Fare Concessions May Be Tried Out

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 605, 6 March 1929, Page 1

New Fare Concessions May Be Tried Out

IF LOAN IS CARRIED POPULARISING TRAMS H The institution of special excursion fares such as have adopted to and from the Zco >s on |y one of the many things that can be done in this direction,” Mr. j. A. C. Allum, chairman of the Auckland Transport Board, told a SUN representative this morning. U the loan proposals are carried it •will be possible to put such schemes into operation, he said, but at present it is difficult to do anything which might have the effect of disturbing the revenue, although, fortunately, the financial position is becoming much clearer. Mr. Aiium said that in London bpecial fares and concessions were available at certain hours, these having the object to popularise the services and also spread the traffic over the lean hours. For instance, on one railway service passengers were able to purchase return tickets at ordinary prices between the hours of 10 a.in. and 4.30 p m.. There were many schemes that could be tried out in Auckland and adopted if justified by results, particularly concessions that tended to make a more regular flow of traffic. The excursion lares being given a trial on the Zoo route is a start, remarked Mr. Allum. Whether any other concessions can be given a trial depends largely on the result of the poll. He stated that if the loan were approved the board would be able to effect many economies, such as the abolition of feeder buses as a result of tramway extensions, and the provision of better rolling stock. If the proposals were carried it would be necessary to make a portion of them urgent works, such as certain extensions and new stock, which was badly needed. Mr. Allum also mentioned the fact that the loan, if carried, would provide work for about 300 men and that the programme would take four years to complete.