CheaD fares—T neside divided
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• Tyneside local authorities are divided in their attitude to the scheme drawn up by the Tyneside Passenger Transport Executive for the provision of cheap bus fares for old, disabled and blind people.
Tynemouth and Whitley Bay councils have refused to support the plan on the grounds of cost. Tynemouth Corporation contends (CM last week) that the cost to the town, estimated at about £20,000 annually, should be met nationally, while at Whitley Bay it is stated that the cost would equal a 3d rate.
Newcastle Corporation, which originally approved the PTE terms which provided for half-fares at non-peak hours, has decided instead to revert to its old custom of allowing concessionaires to make each journey for only 2d. The cost to the corporation will be about £101,000 per annum.
Jarrow and Felling councils are supporting the PTE scheme, but Wallsend council has deferred a decision. A meeting of the PTE and the local authorities is to be held on March 18 when the question will be further discussed.