Timely Suggestions for the Small Operator.
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MOST small operators are viewing the Road Traffic Act with an unwelcoming eye and not a few have already decided that the area commissioners will be their avowed enemies. But why meet trouble half-way? The commissioners will be out to satisfy the smaller operators as well as the big concerns. s Meanwhile, it may be well to think over a few suggestions for dealing with the difficulties to be overcome.
Remember, unity is strength ! Private owners have been chary of making any sort of working agreement or association with other operators. Now is a time when the formation of 'associations of the small operators in any district will be distinctly beneficial to all. At small individual cost, for example, legal aid may be obtained to watch the licensing in the district. Separately the operators could never procure this valuable service.
Then why should owners of small fleets be so unwilling to amalgamate? Being one's own master has an attraction, but a trouble shared is a trouble halved. Many a small operator is blessing the day when he decided to sell out at a good profit and to accept the position of district manager for a big company, with a fixed salary and no financial worries.
Even now, careful bus-service development need not cease. There are still routes in ninny parts of the country waiting to be opened up. So far as can be ascertained at present, if only one service operates on any route, the commissioners will be almost certain to renew the licences for that service. New buses obtained should, of course, be equipped with windscreens of unsplinterable glass, fire extinguishers, etc., and should be designed to meet likely requirements under the new licensing conditions.
Private-hire work should be built up. For a few shillings circulars can be sent around to dozens of sports clubs, associations and other organizations likely to -require buses for trips, rates per mile or per hour being quoted and routes suggested.
If it be highly probable that some licences will be withdrawn, the opportunity should be taken for bringing a fleet up to date. The price of two or three old buses, which the owner May know to be incapable of passing the inspectors, will go a long way towards buying one new one.
• It should be remembered that the commissioners will favour services that are operated with new, clean and well-kept buses, buses which are not likely to meet With many breakdowns.
By thus anticipating likely difficulties their effect may be minimized and the new conditions. may be faced With something like equanimity.