Scottish Omnibuses Seek Extra £2.4m.
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WHEN Scottish Omnibuses, Ltd., last week applied to the Scottish Traffic Commissioners to increase fares it was stated that because of the great increase in operating costs and wages the company were no longer able to earn sufficient for commercial survival. Seven county and 42 burgh authorities opposed the application, which was accepted in principle.
Mr. G. C. Emslie, for the company, said that they sought to increase basic single fares by id.-7d. and returns by 1d.-10d, Applicants were authorized to Charge an additional percentage on existing fares to offset the extra Is. a gallon on fuel tax, but this did not help to meet costs which had risen since the last increase in fares in March, 1956. Within a year the company's expenses had risen by £2m. The new fares scale would yield an extra £2.4m. revenue in a full year.
Mr. James Amos, chairman, said that it was impossible to reduce expenses by internal economies, and claimed that the company's operating costs were lower than those of any concern in England.
For the objectors, Mr. W. R. Grieve said that an addition of d. to fares every year would become "the straw that broke the camel's back."
Bailie Daniel McLauchlan, Kirkintilloch, said that the burgh was a "dry town" and people had to travel to Glasgow or the surrounding countryside for a pint of beer. Kirkintilloch paid more than its fair share for transport and the increase would bring hardship.
The Commissioners are to work out details of an increase and give their decision later.