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Confidence in the Future
Page 67
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THE road passenger-transport industry has ahead of it a season of fierce competition with the railways. The past year has seen an extension of facilities on their part, and coaching interests will have to pay close attention to service to passengers and lose no opportunities for publicity, in order to maintain their present position in the public favour. Operators must not trade on the fact that many persons have a definite preference for road travel and will not .unlessmbliged tii. do so, use other means for transport. .
It is unfortunate that the future of the road passenger-transport industry does not depend solely upon the enterprise of operators because it is largely in the hands of the Traffic Commissioners, but it would appear that few further services can be eliminated without serious inconvenience to the public.
During the past year much attention has been paid to the stabilization of fares, and uniform rates for excursions and tours from most centres have been approved by the Commissioners on. the recommendations of the Regional Fares Committees. The position with regard to fares In the London area is complicated, and several schemes have been put forward to overcome the many objections to the establishment of a uni form rate within a 15-mile radius from the centre of the Metropolis. The Metropolitan Traffic Commissioner has now allowed a reduction of 6d., in certain cases.
Progress with the stabilization of fares is, however, hampered by the absence of an agreement with the railways, which are, at present, free to undercut coach operators.
The London Passenger Transport Bill is in an advanced position, and unless great pressure be brought to bear upon Parliament, there are prospects of that monopolist measure becoming law. Manufacturers, as well as operators, will he seriously affected by the passing of the Bill, but until recently the former have neglected to oppose it.
'Several concerns are, to our knowledge, purchasing fairly large numbers of coaches for the forthcoming season, and it is probable that this year will mark a revival of the -passengervehicle-manufacturing industry. The extensive stocks of vehicles acquired in about 1929 will now need replenishing and, whilst the industry cannot expect a return to the peak period of prosperity experienced at that time, it can look ' forward to a steady volume of sales, particularly on the municipal side. Confidence In the future is essential to success.