THE ENTIRE TRAMWAY SYSTEM OF NEWCASTLE THREATENED
Page 59
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
TRAMS, which have for the past few years produced rapidly diminishing revenue at Newcastle whilst motorbuses have advanced to a position of financial stability, are again threatened with Schemes Newly Proposed for Immediate or Gradual Replacement by Buses
extinction in that important northern industrial city.
In the estimates for the current year motorbus profits are anticipated to amount to £17,262, and next year (1931-32) to £19,220. On the other hand, in place of the tramway surplus of £22,000 estimated a year ago for the 12 months ending March 31st next, there will, in fact, be a deficit of £2,746.
In the light of these facts the municipal authority is again reviewing the question of effecting further substitutions, and an important programme has been put forward by Councillor Waiter J. Percival, chairman of the omnibus sub-committee of the corporation transport committee. In this he advocates substitution by one of three methods, as follow : (1) Immediate substitution, transferring the outstanding capital burden to the rates; (2) gradual sub, etitution, beginning with less remunerative tram routes; or (3) immediate substitution and liquidation of the outstand'jug tramway debt by a 15-per cent. increase in fares.
The first and third suggestions would necessitate an outlay of £357,000 upon the purchase of 200 new machines, but Councillor Percival points out that in the next 10 years £200,000 will have to be spent on tramway repairs and renewals if the life of the trams is to be extended. This sum alone would provide more than 100 of the new machines required. The whole question is to be considered.