Mr. Birch Resents One-sided Objections to Higher Fares
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SPEAKING at the annual meeting of the Yorkshire Traction Co., Ltd., on Tuesday, Mr. Raymond W. Birch, chairman, strongly criticized local authorities who objected to applications by bus companies for increased fares.
He said that the company applied last February for an increase of under 8 per cent. Fifteen local authorities objected, but. said Mr. Birch, "as most of them have recently increased their rates on property by at least 10 per cent., due, no doubt, to increased cost of wages and materials largely outside their control. I must say I find it difficult to understand the vehemence of their opposition to such a modest increase in the cost of road travel. • " Many of them seem to resent the increases in so-called ' workmen's ' fares, more strongly than those proposed in so-called ' ordinary ' fares, but I have yet to hear of a municipality charging lower rents or reduced rates to those persons who happen to start work before 8 am."
the operation of an abnormally high number of workmen's services still caused the company great concern. They ha q been run at a heavy loss since 1942: Last year, the loss was at least 3d. a mile, even if based on the average cost of all services. In fact, the loss was greater, because many of the workmen's buses covered only 300 miles a week, compared with an overall average of 800 miles, with consequently higher costs per mile for overheads, wages and fuel. While the fuel tax remained at 2s. 6d. a gallon, Mr. Birch could see no end to increases in bus fares throughout the country.
Where Has 12m. Gone?
Last year, the Government announced that an extra £2m. was to be spent in two years on improvements to black spots in the country's road system, yet work generally on highways in the West Riding was to be reduced by 14 per cent. and on road surfacing by 25 per cent.
Looking on the brighter side, Mr. Birch reported that the company's private-hire business, which was highly competitive, had improved. A new high record of nearly 80m. passengers had been carried, and gross receipts were the highest ever. Costs, however. also set up a new high record, and taxation amounted to £236,763.