TRACKLESS TRAMS.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 October 1920, Page 4

TRACKLESS TRAMS.

'WORKING OF THE SYSTEM. THE QUESTION OF EOAD UPKEEP. In view of the • intention to take a poll shortly upon the proposal to instal the railless tram system, the New Plymouth Borough Council recently wrote seeking information from the Wellington City Engineer (Mr. N. A. Morton), who has had an opportunity of investigating the system during his visit to the Old Country. The Council desired to know specially: (a) Is a particularly good road surface required for the cars? (b) Is there excessive wear upon the roadway? (c) Are the ears more or less comfortable for the passengers to ride in compared with (1) petrol omnibuses; (2) tramcars on rails? Mr. Morton has replied as follows:—A durable, even road surface is required. The ordinary water bound macadam would not be sufficient for such vehicles, nor would it be sufficient for petrol motor 'bus traffic. Raillcss cars do not cause any more damage to the road surface, than the petrol 'buses. Heavy vehicles must occasion excessive wear upon roadways. The degree of comfort depends upon the state of the road (added Mr. Morton), and is about the same for both classes, except as regards rails, which, on account of the smooth surfaces, are more satisfactory. On the other hand the railless cars, he considered to be quieter than the tramcars on rails.

Generally speaking, he remarked that it must be recognised a hard, durable, and even surface for roadways was necessary for any form of traffic of this description unless rails were provided.