Passenger Transport News
Page 46
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MANCHESTER'S COSTS TOO HIGH, SAYS MR. MACVE
" I AM compelled to the view that the
cost of operating the undertaking is unduly high, particularly in respect of maintenance, and I am further of the opinion that those costs can be reduced. I therefore propose to conduct an investigation into the level of cost of operation 12 months from the introduction of the new fares, when I shall require the corporation to produce to me all necessary statistics and figures which will permit me to form opinions as to the general level of cost."
This observation was made by Mr. W. E. Macve, North-Western Licensing Authority, in grantingManchester Corporation's application to increase fares.
Mr. Macve considered that the parcels department should be closed because the cost of operating it would increase to such an extent that it would never become profitable.
He also said that it was wrong for the general public to continue to subsidize fares in the Wythenshawe Estate district, and added that '' ultimately the fares to Wythenshawe should be on the same basis as the general fare level within the whole of the system. If there is any need for subsidization, it is not a matter for the corporation transport undertaking."
Mr. Macve commented that if councillors and aldermen were to travel free, the cost should not fall particularly on the travelling public, but should be borne by the general body of ratepayers.
MANY B.M.M.O. DRIVERS GAIN SAFETY AWARDS XCELLENT results hay e been Laiobtained by drivers of the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd., in the National Safe Driving Competition for 1945, organized by the Royal Society for the Prevention Of Accidents.
The number of men entering was 1,820, and 1,204 qualified for awards. Regrettably, 368 were ineligible for awards for various reasons.
The awards included two brooches for 15 years' freedom from accident, 101 gold medals for 10 years' freedom, and 239 silver medals for five years. For a further year's driving free from accident, 362 holders of the gold medal gained oak-leaf bars, 239 holders of silver medals gained silver bars, and 399 diplomas were granted. CO-OPERATIVE WORKING ON EXTENDED TOURS?
A MEETING of operators of I–I extended tours will be held in London on December 17 to discuss the possibility of co-operative working to concentrate business on certain hotels. It is thought that if a sufficient volume of trade could be offered, hotel proprietors might be induced to cater for coach-tour patrons. At the moment, they are generally unwilling to do so. 'The -meeting will be held in the council room of the Passenger Vehicle Operators' Association, 146; New Bond Street, London, W.1, at 2 p.m. Any operator who may be affected is invited to attend. Further particulars may he obtained from Mr. F. A. Flirt, 8, Park Lane, Croydon, Surrey.
MANCHESTER DRIVER WAS AT FAULT
riA DECISION that Driver James Christie, of Manchester Corporation's transport department, was guilty of serious misconduct in driving his bus, was announced by the emergency committee of the National Joint Industrial Council of the Road Passenger Transport Industry.
This followed the examination, of witnesses regarding the allegation of dangerous driving, for which Driver Christie was first dismissed and later reinstated but reduced to the status of a cleaner. It was the action taken against him which resulted in a transport strike in Manchester.
HALIFAX LENDS BUSES TO SHEFFIELD
HALLFAX Corporation is loaning 10 double-deck buses for use by Sheffield Corporation, to help to relieve' the difficulty caused at Sheffield by the withdrawal of many buses as unfit for service.
The loan has been made possible by deliveries of new buses to the Halifax undertaking, coupled with a shortage of staff to man the corporation's fleet. Some returned Servicemen who took the place of war-time conductresses are said to have quitted their jobs, because they preferred even to accept lower pay, so long as they could work at the hours usual in industry.
Members of Sheffield Municipal Officers' Guild are voluntarily working until 6 p.m. daily, instead of 5.30 p.m., to help to relieve tea-time peak pressure on the city's bus and tram services. The Guild has 2,400 members.
HIGHER FARES AT LEEDS
LEEDSLEEDS Corporation's application for to increase bus and tram fares has been granted. Ordinary bus fares will range from lid, for a mile up to 8d. for approximately 11 miles.
BURY PREFERS OILERS
BURY Transport Committee has decided to replace trams by oilengined buses on the WalmersleyTottington route. The town council has been told that oilers could be operated at 0.67d. a mile cheaper than trolleybuses. Twenty buses are on order for this service.