HIGHER TRAM FARES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 803, 25 October 1929, Page 1

HIGHER TRAM FARES

CONCESSION RATES WILL RE HALVED REPORT IN THE CITY There is reason to believe that the Transport Board proposes early in November to raise substantially the price of certain tramway concession cards. The increase is said to be necessary in order to meet the serious decline in revenue which has been apparent in recent months. JT is understood that the present discount o£ 25 per cent, is to be halved on all concession tickets from one to four sections. The new scale on that basis would therefore be as follows:—One section, Is 9d; two sections, 2s 8d; three sections, 3s 6d; four sections, 4s 6d. The existing rates are:—ls 6d, 2s 3d; 3s; 3s 9d, respectively. There is thought to be no intention to make an increase on the fifth and sixth sections or on school concession cards. It has been freely rumoured in transport circles that on the basis of the loss on the undertaking since March 31 last there is every possibility of a deficit of £40,000 by the end of March, 1930. An unexpected falling-off in revenue has given the board cause for perturbation, and in view of the influence of a number of factors there seems little likelihood that passengers travelling by other means will now revert to the Auckland transport system. Notable among contributing causes are the great increase in the number of privately-owned motorcars and the effect of the cheap taxi rates. Then aagin, the opening up of suburban shopping areas has added to the difficulties of the board. The question of a revision of fares will come before the board at its meeting on Tuesday morning. According to statements being made in the city the new rates will come into force on or about November 10. “Is there anything in the rumours?” was a question put this morning to Mr. J. A. C. Allum, chairman of the board.

“I have nothing whatever to tell you,” Mr. Allum said smilingly.