Bus Services Cut : Recruits Lost
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ASHORTAGE of platform staff has caused Newport Transport Department to cut several basic services.
Describing the situation as "absolutely desperate," the traffic superintendent, Mr. G. Trigg, said that unless there was a reduction in absenteeism and sickness, and the number of people who were changing their jobs, more cuts would have to be made.
To maintain an efficient bus service, Newport needs 211 drivers and 242
conductors, against 186 drivers and 224 conductors who are working at the present time. Existing staff are working excessive overtime to provide a reasonable service.
Sheffield City Council were told last week that of more than 100 men who had been recruited by the transport department in Northern Ireland, twothirds had drifted to other jobs.
The chairman of the transport committee, Cllr. S. Dyson, said that the labour problem was becoming worse. There were 2,865 drivers and conductors, or 270 fewer than the number needed.
Manchester Transport Committee are to discuss next month the acute shortage of staff. The employment of con ductresses may be considered. Mr.
A. F. Neal, general manager, said last week that on several occasions recently 30 buses had had to be withdrawn from peak-hour services because of the
absence of drivers and conductors. Up to 400 more men s..,ere required if full services were to be operated after the end of next month.
At Nottingham, the employment of coloured labour has failed to meet staff difficulties, and there are now 28 fewer drivers and conductors than in March, when coloured crews were first engaged.
Ot er the past three months an average of 13 drivers and conductors has been resigning each week, compared with an intake of 10 recruits.
RATES FOR BRICK HAULAGE 11DENDING agreement with the brick manufacturers, the national rates committee of the Road Haulage Association have issued the following schedule of recommended brick-haulage rates:—