Bus Operators to Consider Co-operative Working
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WAR-TIME bus-transport problems, WV particularly winter black-out difficulties, were considered at a conference held in Leeds, on August 1, at the instance of the Transport Commissioner for the North-eastern Region. A primary aim was to promote the provision of maximum transport facilities for workers, as distinct from luxury', or other •non-essential travel, within the limits imposed by petrol restrictions and other war-time factors. Those who attended included representatives of municipal undertakings, associated bus companies and independent concerns, together-with officials of the Yorkshire Area of A.R.O. and the North-eastern Division of the C.M.U.A. Major Eastwood presided.
The discussions were largely of an exploratory character. Some of the idea i considered aimed at more intensive use of rolling stock, so as to increase carrying capacity generally. Others sought specifically to improvp travel for, workers, as such. There were also suggestions for discouraging nonessential traffic by the abolition or curtailment of cheap fares.
One idea was to increase carrying capacity by. the use of trailers with* buses, but this did not meet with any support. More may be heard, however, of a suggestion that the capacity of 32-seater buses should be enlarged by the removal of some of the seats, so as to permit of an increase in the number of standing pastengers, at present limited to eight. It is calculated tliat by this method the gross load for such vehicles could be increased to" 50 persons.
The removal of local protective restrictions so as to permit longdistance or limited-stop services to pick up passengers when entering large towns, co-operative working of services and the pooling of smaller operators' resources, the withdrawal of bus services from routes adequately served by tramway or railway services, and .the training of women to drive single-deck buses, were among other ideas put forward.
On some of the points discussed, Major Eastwood may make recornmerl; dations to the Minister of War TransPort; on others lie may take action on his own authority. . '
It is understood that district meetings of bus operators are being held to consider co-operative working and the pooling of resources.