GLC transport warning
Page 27
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IN THE belief that the Government will cut London's Transport Giant by half in 1976, the GLC said last week that LT fares would have to rise by 25 per cent next year.
"I sincerely hope even at this late stage that the Government will review its subsidy policies as regards public transport, for although we can survive next year's subsidy cut without reducing the existing level of service, loss of passengers through fares rises will mean more cars and more congestion at a time when we desperately need to give priority to public transport," said Sir Reg Goodwin, Leader of the GLC.
This year the GLC received £53m (at November 1974 prices) and Sir Reginald said said that indications from the Government showed that it intended next year to pay £38m (at 1976 prices). He predicted that fare increases would lead to a fall in the number of passengers carried. This was directly against the announced policy of the Government and the GLC.
Despite the cash difficulties the GLC still intends to improve bus services and buy more new vehicles in 1976. Economies will be made to save some £10m in marginal costs from the £375m anticipated LT spending in 1976/7.