No B.T.C. Subsidy Would Mean Bus Loss
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WITHOUT asubsidy from the British Transport Commission an annual loss of about £3,000 would be sustained by Hebble Motor Services, Ltd., on their
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Wilsdllingworth and Clayton circular stage services, the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners were told last week. Mr. W. R. Hargrave, for the company, said the B.T.C. had paid subsidies amounting to £9,388 between May, 1955, and last April. This was because the services mainly catered for people who had formerly used a railway line which was now closed. The B.T.C. were satisfied that the services were no longer necessary, he continued, and both the Yorkshire and Central Consultative Committees had agreed to their withdrawal. However, in order to be fair to the public it had been agreed that the subsidy should continue until October 1, when the services would be withdrawn. It had been apparent from the start that the services would run at a loss, so licences were granted on an annual basis so that they could be reviewed regularly. In the past 12 months, only 17,253 passengers had used the Wilsden route. which meant receipts were 3.52d. ner mile, whereas operating costs were 30.2d. On the Clayton circular run 16,049 passengers had brought in revenue of 31d. per mile, against costs of 29.85d. For -Bingley Urban District Council it was pleaded that, although the number of passengers was small, the need was still as great as ever. Maj. F. S. Eastwood, chairman, said the Commissioners had no alternative but to accept the surrender of the licences, much as they disliked doing so. They had decided to bold the public inquiry so that local authorities and the public could air their views, and so that Hebble could make clear why they had to withdraw.