No Compulsion on Bus Operators
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THE Government had no power to compel bus operators to introduce services to replace the facilities previously afforded by closed-down railway branch lines, and did not propose to seek it, Mr. Molson Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, told the House of Commons last Friday, when the closing of two small branch lines was discussed.
The finances of the railways' passenger services were not satisfactory, said Mr. Molson. Long-distance lines were remunerative, but the slower services were so unprofitable as a whole that the passenger facilities were heavily subsidized by goods transport.
"Since there is increasing competition in the freight field, this position cannot continue. The main reason for the unprofitability of the passenger services is that in a very wide area road transport can do the work of the unremunerative railway passenger services at lower cost and with greater efficiency, and usually in a way More acceptable to the travelling public," he stated.
The British Transport Commission accepted these facts and intended to leave the railways for fast longdistance passenger services between the principal centres of population, and to transfer local passenger services on both, main and branch lines to suitable road services.
"The Commission believes that this will not only be to its financial advantage, but for the general convenience of the great majority of travellers," Mr. Molson added.
MODIFICATIONS TO BEDFORD RANGE
HIEAVIER and stronger chassis frames are now incorporated in Big Bedford 7-ton and 10-ton models. The dimensions of the frame section have been increased from 9 in. by 3 in. by 0.22 in. to 9.937 in. by 3 in. by 0.25 in. The weight of the short-wheelbase model is raised by 75 lb., and that of the long-wheelbase model by 90 lb.
Three-piece wheels are now availaable as optional equipment on Bedford 4-ton. 5-ton and 7-ton lorries, and 8-ton and 10-ton tractors. On the Big Bedfords and the 5-tonner, this option is listed with any tyre equipment, but on the 4-tonner and the 8-ton tractor it applies only when 7.50-20 tyres are fitted.
The retail price of this option is £2 2s. 5d. per vehicle, including purchase tax.
Four-ring piston sets have been added to the range of Bedford engine replacement parts as alternatives to three-ring sets. Pistons are tin-plated and the top ring is chromium-plated and pre-lapped.
Selling at £17 5s., a recirculatory heater is offered for the Big Bedford petrol vehicle.
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