NEWS IN BRIEF Glasgow Fares Rise Likely: With an estimated
Page 45
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
deficit for 1963-4 of £1156,000, Glasgow Corporation Transport Department faces its most critical financial year since its establishment. Last year, motor buses made a profit of £229,942, but the tramways lost £130,630, the trolleyhuses £216,516 and the underground £64.841, making an overall deficit of £182,045. The Corporation considers that a fares rise is inevitabe shortly. Estimated expenditure for 1963-4 will rise to £10-1m, and revenue will come down to £9.2m. The Id. concession fare for old-age pensioners cost the Corporation £250,000 last year and is likely to be raised by a ld. or 2d.
Derby Loss: Derby Corporation Transport Undertaking made a loss of £12,453 in the year ended March 31 last, when the number of passengers carried dropped by 2-f m. Although the trolleybus fleet was operated at a cheaper rate than the motorbuses, the trolleybus system appears to be doomed because of the high capital cost of replacing vehicles.
Newcastle Profit: A net profit of £227,477 in the year ended March 31 last was made by the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Corporation Transport Undertaking, which was £27,000 more than in the previous year. This level of profit is not likely to be maintained during the current year because of higher wages and electricity costs, but it is unlikely that bus fares will be increased. The fleet of trolley. buses wil be replaced gradually by motor vehicles.
Safety-first Awards: Presentations of safetyfirst awards were made by the chairman of the Leeds City Transport Department, Ald. J. Rafferty. Of 857 drivers entered for the competition. 617 qualified, including 31 who gained the 10-years-or-over award. The first Leeds City Transport man to gain the 35-years award was Mr. B. Denton.
New Bus Station Planned : Rochdale Town Council is planning a new bus station for the town centre, which may include offices and a restaurant.