THE TRAMWAYS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 May 1922, Page 4

THE TRAMWAYS.

COMPLAINTS OF OVERCROWDING. PRACTICE TO BE STOPPED. The overcrowding of tram-cars, an< other matters concerning the running of the system, were the subject of complaints made to the New Plymouth Borough Council last night. The engineer-in-chief of the Public Works Department (Mr. F. W. Furkett) advised that he had received a communication from the secretary of the New Plymouth Tramways Employees’ Union of Workers, pointing out: (1) That the entrance doors to the tramcars are covered with advertisements, thus becoming a source of danger to the travelling public, since a conductor collecting fares inside these cars cannot see whether pasaengers are dear of the steps when he signals the car to proceed; (2) that the position of the motonnan of cars 7, 8 and 9 is somewhat strained when driving, owing to the motorman’s view being obstructed by the framework of the window, thus causing him to lean over in order to get a clear view of the track; (3) that the motorman is not adequately protected, inasmuch as some cars carry a considerable overload, and passengers are crowded around the motorman, thus hampering him in the control of the car. In connection with (1), it was stated by Mr. Furkett that this was a common practice. If the conductor carries out the rules properly he should signal the car from the rear end, and not from inside. In connection with (2), it was suggested by the district engineer that the motorman’s seat be moved 4 to 5 inches to the left. The difficulty in (3) might be overcome by means of a chain, or by the provision of a low wood or metal screen. At the same time, it was thought that it was the duty of the management to prevent people standing on the platform. The electrical engineer reported that? (1) called for no further comment; (2) the recommendation' had been approxi-

on the type of cars used, would obstruct the doorways, as there are no platforms on these cars, the whole being enclosed by doors, and being on the one floor level. It was pointed out that the worst that could happen should the motorman be obstructed was that the car would immediately stop. The remedy was in the hands of the men, who would at all times receive the support of the department in carrying out the regulation. A copy of Mr. Bartley’s report will be forwarded to Mr. Furkett. The Mayor suggested that the tramwaymen should be told that the council supported them in preventing overcrowding.