NEW PLYMOUTH TRAMWAYS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 July 1920, Page 7

NEW PLYMOUTH TRAMWAYS.

JUNE RETURNS. REVENUE INCREASE OP £373. Comparing the June returns with those of the corresponding month of last year, the New Plymouth tramways manager (Mr. R. H. Bartley) states: The position repeals an increase of £373 6s 9d, and 10,470 additional passengers carried. Only a portion of this increase is due to the alteration of fares, and as near as [ can ascertain at the present time the increase due to this alteration is approximately £l7O to £IBO. The small increase in the passengers carried demonstrates the falling off of the short distance passenger, and this is much what I expected. I am, however, considering a means of improving this, and hav.v worked out a method which I am fairly confident will have the desired effect. Before making any recommendation re this method I desire to have further information and results of tlv? present working, and as soon a3 1 have satisfied myself on these points I will report fully on the matter to the Council. The detailed records for the month show:—Mileage run, 10,698; passengers, 143,376; fares, £1339 5s 4d.

ELECTRICITY DEPARTMENT. It will be noted (says the manager) that the figures in connection with this department are increasing considerably. The applications received during the month number 43, while the new connections made to the mains are considerably above any one month in the history of the department, the number being 72. The additions made to existing consumers' installations are 12. The whole of the plant, though heavily stressed, is operating as well as can be expected under the conditions. ELECTRIC 'BUS SERVICE. The records for the month are as under:—Mileage run, 2071; passengers carried, 8986; total fares, £lOl 13s 2d. The 'bus returns show an increase of £3B !)s 8d as compared with the corresponding month of last year, and 35H3 additional passengers carried. The mileage run has also been increased by 393 miles.

It was necessary to delay taking off the electric 'bus for painting purposes owing to the extreme shortage of benzine to operate the motor 'bus, now taking its place, and I did not consider it wise to replace the electric 'bus until a reasonable supply of fuel was in hand to ensure continuous running.