Amalgamated licence opposed
Page 19
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PLANS to amalgamate three licences for excursions and tours were not the simple administrative exercise claimed by Smith's Imperial Coaches Ltd, Birmingham, but would, increase facilities, objectors told the West Midland Traffic Commissioners last week. The application included additional picking-up points for eight-day tours; two new eight-day tours, to Torquay and Paignton and to Blackpool for the Isle of Man and alteration of the duration of some mini-tours.
Opposing were the L. F. Bowen Group, Allenways Ltd, Midland Red and National Travel (Midlands) Ltd.
Mr J. W. Taylor, Smith's general manager, said that one licence in place of three would be of great administrative convenience. It would not substantially increase competition; the company already carried passengers from the proposed picking-up points on one or other of the licences.
Variety was needed and the bookings for 1976 showed a 25 per cent increase over 1975, totalling 1,750.
Cross-examined, Mr Taylor said there would be eight completely new picking-up points and feeder services operated to " marry " up traffic at the main depot.
Mr Tudway suggested there would be too few departures for viable operation of feeder services.
Mr H. R. Tranter, for Allenways and Bowen, claimed the application would vastly increase the facilities and vehicle power at all pick-up points.
Mr Taylor told the chairman, Mr A. A. Crabtree, the application was mainly designed for greater passenger convenience.
The hearing was adjourned.