Innovations on the Home Railways.

Commencing 1st January last, the Home railways brought into operation on the passenger side two very interesting services. One was the instalment system for the payment of passenger fares; and the other a new arrangement, known as the “blue, arrow” system, providing for the registered transit of parcels by express passenger train. The first-named innovation provides for the sale at all stations of travel stamps to the value of one shilling each. With the first stamp issued goes a contribution card capable of holding ten stamps. When the card is full it may be exchanged for a ten shilling voucher, and a further contribution card secured. Alternatively, the ten shilling voucher may be purchased as an independent unit. The voucher bears interest at the rate of approximately 5 per cent, per annum for each completed month. At any time the vouchers or cards may be exchanged for travel tickets of all kinds, except seasons.

Under the “blue arrow” registered transit arrangement, parcels sent by passenger trains may be registered and brought within a specialised control, whereby every railway contact point en route receives an advance advice, by telephone or telegraph, of their passage, and a constant watch is maintained until the parcels reach their destination. Special arrow-shaped labels, coloured blue, with the words “Registered-Passenger Train Transit,” are affixed to each consignment, and for the special service a charge of half-a-crown per consignment is made. The registration fee covers the special transit of all traffic (including livestock).

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